Christine Pelosi Decides Against Running for Mother’s Congressional Seat

Christine Pelosi, the daughter of longtime Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, announced Monday that she wouldn’t run for her mother’s congressional seat — instead opting for a relatively more modest California state Senate bid.

“Power for the people, that’s what I want to do for you,” Christine Pelosi said in a launch video for her campaign released Monday.

The decision comes just a week after Nancy Pelosi, 85, announced her retirement after representing San Francisco in the House of Representatives since 1987. She is one of the most powerful women in American political history, being the first to serve as a leader of a major party in either chamber of Congress — and the first woman elected as speaker of the House.

Nancy Pelosi wielded immense power during her time in the House and as speaker. She also became a frequent opponent to President Donald Trump, who has called her “an evil woman,” among other epithets. Her retirement marks the end of an era for the Democratic Party.

Christine Pelosi’s decision gives an opportunity for a Democratic primary in California’s 11th District without the political weight associated with her last name. Christine has been an active member of Democratic politics in California and is a political strategist and lawyer. She also authored a book about her mother titled “The Nancy Pelosi Way.”

“I like the thought of paving my own path,” Christine Pelosi told The New York Times of her state Senate run.

Christine Pelosi led the state party’s women’s caucus during the #MeToo movement, and played a major role in pushing the state Legislature to address sexual misconduct in the state Capitol.

Without a Pelosi in the race, the San Francisco congressional district is wide open, attracting a packed field of candidates.

Those include Saikat Chakrabarti, a former chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who announced earlier this year that he would run in a primary against Nancy Pelosi to secure new leadership for the Democratic Party. Also running is Scott Wiener, the representative for District 11 in the California senate. Former San Francisco Mayor London Breed is also reportedly considering a run, but has yet to officially announce her candidacy.