Nancy Pelosi has announced she will retire from Congress at the end of her current term (2027), and multiple candidates are already positioning to succeed her in California’s 11th district (San Francisco). The field includes a mix of longtime San Francisco Democrats and newer figures, with several potential contenders widely discussed in recent coverage. The final outcome will depend on the California primary and subsequent general election dynamics in a jungle-primary system, plus any endorsements from Pelosi herself and key local party actors. Key points to know now:
- The retirement opens a high-profile San Francisco seat that has long been a Democratic stronghold but could become a focal point for broader party debates about strategy and messaging.
- Leading contenders commonly cited include: State Senator Scott Wiener, San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, Christine Pelosi (Nancy Pelosi’s daughter), and Saikat Chakrabarti (former aide to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez). Other candidates and emerging recruits have filed committees or announced exploratory steps, reflecting a crowded field ahead of the 2026 primary.
- The primary structure in California (jungle primary) means all candidates—regardless of party—appear on the same ballot, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election. This can produce two Democrats in the general election, or a Democrat versus a non-Democrat if a non-Democrat finishes in the top two. This format influences campaign strategy and coalition-building among local voters and interest groups.
If you’d like, I can pull up the latest coverage and summarize who is officially running, who has filed committee paperwork, and any notable endorsements or polling to-date.