As Pelosi Retires From Congress, Scott Wiener and Connie Chan Advance in Race to Succeed Her

The two will now square off in November to represent California’s 11th, one of the most progressive districts in the country.

Election 2026 California House

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, center, endorsed Connie Chan, left, last month in the race to succeed her. Gabrielle Lurie/San Francisco Chronicle via AP

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.