Voters in San Francisco advanced state Sen. Scott Wiener and Connie Chan in the competitive race to succeed former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in California’s 11th Congressional District, according to Associated Press projections. Pelosi announced last year she would retire at the end of her term.
In a race where Wiener polled far ahead of his competitors, Tuesday’s nonpartisan primary was largely seen as a fight for the No. 2 spot on November’s general-election ballot. California advances the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation.
In one of the most progressive districts in the country, much of the focus during the campaign was on endorsements from the biggest names on the left. After vowing to stay above the fray, Pelosi reversed course last month and endorsed Chan, who has served on the city’s Board of Supervisors since 2020. California Sen. Adam Schiff also backed Chan in the contest. In her endorsement, Pelosi said Chan “stands above” the other candidates vying for her soon-to-be former district.
“At a time when fundamental freedoms and democratic values are under assault, we need a leader in Congress who is prepared to fight — forcefully and effectively,” Pelosi said.
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But one name that was frequently mentioned during the course of the campaign opted not to make an endorsement at all. Saikat Chakrabarti, who didn’t make the cut in the primary, touted his progressive bona fides as New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s former chief of staff, but Ocasio-Cortez never officially backed him in the race. Chakrabarti, who had criticized establishment figures such as Pelosi and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, failed to receive any endorsements from major elected officials.
Chakrabarti and Wiener both announced their bids for the seat before Pelosi announced her retirement. Pelosi’s daughter, Christine Pelosi, who was reported to be eyeing her mother’s seat, opted to run instead for the state Senate.
Wiener and Chan will face off in the general election on Nov. 3.
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