Connie Chan Joins Crowded Race for Nancy Pelosi’s Congressional Seat
San Francisco District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan has officially entered the race to succeed U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi, who announced she will not seek re-election in 2026. This significant move adds another prominent local voice to what is shaping up to be a highly competitive contest for Pelosi’s long-held District 11 seat.
A Progressive Voice for San Francisco in Congress
Chan’s candidacy is rooted in her commitment to “everyday people” and addressing local struggles. She aims to build coalitions and bring San Franciscan voices to Washington, focusing on issues like high living costs and the impact of federal policies. If elected, Chan would make history as the first Asian American to represent San Francisco in Congress, reflecting the city’s diverse population.
Key Policy Priorities & Background
As a progressive standard-bearer on the Board of Supervisors since 2020, Chan has championed legislation impacting tenants, small businesses, workers, seniors, and immigrants. Her accomplishments include:
- Securing tenant protections and affordable housing initiatives.
- Increasing immigrant legal-aid funding by $3.5 million to support vulnerable communities.
- Sponsoring a ballot initiative to raise the City’s Overpaid Executive Tax and impose levies on ride-hailing and autonomous-vehicle firms like Uber, Lyft, and Waymo.
- Playing a central role in crafting a $15.9 billion two-year budget plan, helping to avert significant city worker layoffs and boosting social services.
Chan’s political career began as a legislative aide, working with prominent figures like Sophie Maxwell, Kamala Harris, Aaron Peskin, and Kevin Mullin. A San Francisco resident since age 13, she also served as a community organizer, deeply connecting with the city’s diverse communities, notably working to shut down the Potrero Power Plant.
The Crowded Field: Chan vs. Wiener & Chakrabarti
Chan joins an already bustling race, facing off against formidable candidates. State Senator Scott Wiener, known for his controversial housing legislation pushing for increased density in San Francisco, and progressive tech mogul Saikat Chakrabarti, former chief of staff to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, were earlier entrants.
The campaign is expected to highlight stark contrasts in policy and approach. Chan has notably criticized Wiener’s housing legislation, arguing it puts the community “at risk of speculative real estate” development. Wiener’s campaign, in turn, has questioned Chan’s legislative record, suggesting her “scant record of accomplishment” was why she “barely won re-election in the Richmond last year despite huge spending on her behalf.” Chakrabarti positions himself as an alternative to “the two wings of SF’s political establishments.”
Nancy Pelosi’s Stance
Despite Chan receiving robust support from certain organized-labor groups and speculation about an endorsement, Nancy Pelosi has stated it is not her “current plan” to endorse anyone in the race at this time.
Who’s Running? A Quick Look
Here’s a brief overview of the key candidates vying for Pelosi’s seat:
| Candidate | Current Role | Key Stance / Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Connie Chan | SF District 1 Supervisor | Advocates for “everyday people,” tenant protections, affordable housing, immigrant aid. Progressive voice. |
| Scott Wiener | CA State Senator | Known for pro-housing density legislation. Focuses on public transit, lower drug costs, mental health access. |
| Saikat Chakrabarti | Progressive Tech Mogul | Former AOC chief of staff. Campaigns for “new kind of politics” beyond established SF factions. |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Race
- Who is Connie Chan running to succeed?
She is running to succeed U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi in California’s 11th Congressional District. - What are some of Connie Chan’s key campaign themes?
Chan focuses on advocating for “everyday people,” addressing high costs, building community coalitions, and bringing local voices to Washington. - Has Nancy Pelosi endorsed a candidate yet?
No, Nancy Pelosi has publicly stated it is not her “current plan” to endorse any candidate in the race at this time. - Who are the other main candidates in the race?
Other prominent candidates include California State Senator Scott Wiener and progressive tech mogul Saikat Chakrabarti. - What is Connie Chan’s background?
Born in Hong Kong, she moved to San Francisco at 13. She has a background as a legislative aide for several key politicians and a community organizer before being elected District 1 Supervisor in a notably close race.
As the race for Nancy Pelosi’s congressional seat heats up, San Francisco voters have a critical decision ahead, weighing candidates with distinct visions for the city’s future in Washington and how those visions will translate into federal action.
Connie Chan Joins Crowded Race for Pelosi Seat
