Nancy Pelosi Endorses Connie Chan in San Francisco Congressional Race

On May 18, 2026, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi released a video beside San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, with a Golden Gate Bridge backdrop, endorsing Chan for California’s 11th Congressional District. Pelosi described Chan as the candidate best prepared to carry forward the fight for San Francisco in Congress. The announcement comes two weeks before the June 2 open primary.

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Nancy Pelosi announced in November 2025 she will not seek re-election, ending a nearly four-decade tenure. The open 11th District now includes Supervisor Connie Chan (budget chair), who immigrated from Hong Kong at age 13 and brings an Asian-American perspective, State Senator Scott Wiener (housing advocate), Saikat Chakrabarti (self-funded tech entrepreneur and former Ocasio-Cortez chief of staff), and former Republican Marie Huriabell.

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FEC data through March 2026 show Chan with $457,000 raised and $156,000 cash, Wiener with $734,000 raised and $2.6 million cash, and Chakrabarti with $360,000 raised plus a $4.8 million personal loan. Chan’s fundraising lags behind Wiener, who holds over $2.6 million. Polls give Wiener a double-digit lead, Chan and Chakrabarti tied for second.

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Pelosi’s video praised Chan’s district knowledge, record, and commitment to defending democratic freedoms. Pelosi also warned that fundamental freedoms are under assault. Wiener expressed gratitude for Pelosi’s service, noted respect, and warned the winner will inherit a demanding role. A Chakrabarti campaign aide emphasized that voters, not endorsements, will decide the race.

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Chakrabarti has attacked establishment Democrats, including Pelosi and Hakeem Jeffries, as part of his anti-establishment stance. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez declined to endorse any candidate. Chan’s opposition to streamlined housing proposals has drawn criticism from housing advocates supporting Wiener. These votes have drawn criticism from pro-housing groups.

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Polls differ on Chan’s ranking—some tie her with Chakrabarti for second, others place her behind both Wiener and Chakrabarti. Fundraising data stop at March 2026, and no post-endorsement voter sentiment has been released. The lack of updated fundraising data limits assessment of campaign momentum.

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The endorsement adds a high-profile endorsement to Chan’s campaign, a factor in the race dynamics. If Chan wins, she would become San Francisco’s first Asian-American congressperson, reflecting demographic shifts within the Democratic base. The contest also mirrors national Democratic debates over housing policy and progressive priorities.

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• “Connie understands San Francisco — our values, our diversity, our communities, and our responsibility to lead with both compassion and strength.” — Nancy Pelosi

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• “I have tremendous respect for Speaker Emerita Pelosi and deep gratitude for everything she has done for our city and our country.” — Scott Wiener

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• “We’ve always known this race would come down to voters, not endorsements.” — Saikat Chakrabarti spokesperson

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• “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,” — Nancy Pelosi

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The June 2 primary will determine the two candidates advancing to the November 2026 general election. Both Chan and Wiener have scheduled additional debates and voter outreach events for the summer. Pelosi’s term ends in January 2027, after which the elected successor will assume the seat.

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