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Former House Speaker Pelosi’s Exit Triggers Competitive Race for San Francisco Seat
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s announcement that she will not seek reelection has set the stage for a highly competitive race to represent San Francisco in Congress, as the city grapples with soaring housing costs and debates about its future direction.
Pelosi, 85, revealed Thursday that she will step down after nearly four decades in Congress, concluding a historic career in which she became the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House and one of the most influential Democratic leaders in Washington.
The contest to replace Pelosi comes at a critical juncture for her deeply Democratic district, which encompasses virtually all of San Francisco. The city faces mounting challenges, including a median home price of $1.4 million that has placed homeownership out of reach for middle-class residents. The housing crisis has become a defining issue in a district where Republicans make up just 7% of registered voters.
“Affordability is at the top of the list” for San Francisco voters, according to Eric Jaye, a Democratic political consultant based in the city. The race is unfolding amid an ongoing conversation about the city’s identity and future, particularly as artificial intelligence and other tech sectors continue to grow. “There’s a lot of anxiety over what are we going to be in the future,” Jaye notes. “Who is going to get to stay?”
Two prominent candidates had already entered the race before Pelosi’s announcement. Saikat Chakrabarti, a former tech executive who previously served as chief of staff to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has launched a campaign focused on addressing the city’s pressing challenges. “We can fix this,” his website declares prominently.
State Senator Scott Wiener, who has represented San Francisco in the California legislature since 2016, is also vying for the seat. Wiener has built his reputation as an advocate for denser housing development and successfully pushed legislation permitting taller apartment buildings near transit hubs, even when local officials opposed such measures. His stance on housing has made him “very popular with some constituencies and, frankly, very unpopular with others,” according to Jaye. If elected, Wiener would become the first openly gay person to represent San Francisco in Congress.
Chakrabarti, who worked for Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign and was a founding engineer at payments processing company Stripe, is positioning himself as “the progressive candidate, the generational candidate,” Jaye says. His platform includes progressive priorities like Medicare-for-all, and he has pledged that his campaign volunteers will knock on every door in the district.
With Pelosi’s announcement, additional high-profile candidates are expected to join the race. Many political observers have long speculated that her daughter, attorney and Democratic Party activist Christine Pelosi, might follow in her mother’s footsteps. Christine Pelosi did not respond to requests for comment following her mother’s announcement.
Another potential contender is Connie Chan, a progressive member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Born in Hong Kong, Chan would likely draw strong support from the city’s substantial Asian-American community and could bring powerful labor unions into her coalition. Either Chan or Chakrabarti, if elected, would make history as the first person of Asian descent to represent the district.
The contest will unfold during the 2026 midterm elections when control of the House will be at stake nationwide. Republicans currently hold a narrow 219-213 majority, with three vacancies. Although former President Donald Trump won’t be on the ballot, his influence will inevitably color the campaign. Wiener’s website prominently highlights his readiness to “stand up to Trump,” while Chakrabarti warns that “authoritarianism is winning because the American dream is failing.”
Nevertheless, local issues—particularly housing affordability—are expected to dominate the race. “Density will be the No. 1 issue,” predicts Jason McDaniel, a political scientist at California State University, San Francisco. “The campaign will showcase dueling visions of how to solve that affordability issue.”
As San Francisco prepares for its first open congressional race in decades, the contest will ultimately reflect broader tensions about urban development, economic inequality, and the future of one of America’s most iconic cities.
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12 Comments
As a longtime San Francisco resident, I’m eager to see fresh ideas and perspectives emerge in this race. The city is at a crossroads, and we need leaders who can chart a sustainable, equitable path forward.
Well said. This is an opportunity for new voices and innovative solutions to address San Francisco’s pressing issues. I hope the candidates put forward bold, creative proposals to tackle the housing crisis and other challenges.
While the housing crisis is a major concern, I also hope the candidates address the city’s challenges around homelessness, public safety, and quality of life. These are complex, interconnected issues that require comprehensive solutions.
Good point. The next representative will need to take a holistic approach to addressing San Francisco’s multifaceted problems. Focusing solely on housing won’t be enough – they’ll need to tackle the broader social and community challenges as well.
Nancy Pelosi’s departure marks the end of an era. While she was a polarizing figure, there’s no denying her immense influence and impact over the past decades. It will be fascinating to see who steps up to fill her shoes.
Absolutely. Pelosi leaves big shoes to fill, both in terms of political clout and the unique challenges facing San Francisco. This race will be a crucial test for the city’s future direction.
The race to replace Pelosi will be closely watched, given the district’s high profile and the national implications. I’m curious to see how the candidates position themselves on key issues like the economy, climate change, and social justice.
Absolutely. This race will have ripple effects beyond San Francisco, so the candidates’ stances on national issues will be scrutinized. It’s important they demonstrate a clear vision and ability to lead on a broader stage.
This will be an interesting race to follow. San Francisco’s housing crisis is a major issue that will surely shape the campaign. I’m curious to see how the candidates approach this challenge and what solutions they propose.
You’re right, affordable housing is a critical concern for San Franciscans. It will be important for the candidates to put forward detailed, feasible plans to address the city’s affordability problems.
The housing crisis is a major concern, but I’m also curious to hear the candidates’ views on the city’s economic development and job creation prospects. San Francisco needs to maintain its vitality while also addressing affordability.
Good point. The next representative will need to strike a balance between supporting economic growth and ensuring that all residents can afford to live in the city. It’s a delicate but critical challenge.