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Pelosi Endorses Chan, Potential SF’s First Asian Congressman

5/19/2026

24 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

If Supervisor Connie Chan wins the open seat, she would become the first Asian American elected to Congress from San Francisco.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed Chan for California’s 11th congressional district.
A May San Francisco Chronicle poll shows State Senator Scott Wiener leading Chan and other candidates.
The open primary is scheduled for June 2, with the top two finishers moving on to the November general election.

History

Historical Context

1964 marked a breakthrough when Patsy Mink won Hawaii’s 2nd district with 55% of the vote, becoming the first Asian American woman in Congress; her victory followed Margaret Chase Smith’s historic 1964 Republican presidential bid as the first woman to seek a major-party nomination. Mink’s success foreshadowed later milestones such as Shirley Chisholm’s 1972 presidential campaign.

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Story summary

If Supervisor Connie Chan wins the open seat, she would become the first Asian American elected to Congress from San Francisco.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed Chan for California’s 11th congressional district.
A May San Francisco Chronicle poll shows State Senator Scott Wiener leading Chan and other candidates.
The open primary is scheduled for June 2, with the top two finishers moving on to the November general election.

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