Full Breakdown
San Francisco’s Open Congressional Seat: Wiener Leads, Chan Trails in Top-Two Primary
6/3/2026, 11:07:35 PM
The Primary Outcome
In the June 2, 2026 top-two primary for California’s 11th Congressional District, State Senator Scott Wiener secured the first-place slot, while Supervisor Connie Chan captured second place. Both will advance to the November 3 general election to succeed former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Challenger Saikat Chakrabarti finished third and was eliminated.
Background & Context
Pelosi announced her retirement in late 2025, ending a 39-year tenure that made the seat a de facto Democratic stronghold. San Francisco’s top-two primary system guarantees that the two highest vote-getters, regardless of party, move on to the November ballot, intensifying intra-party competition.
Key Players
- Scott Wiener – A state senator known for housing-shortage legislation and opposition to former President Donald Trump’s policies; positioned as a moderate by local standards.
- Connie Chan – District 1 supervisor, long-time city official, and Pelosi’s hand-picked successor; backed by labor unions and the former speaker’s endorsement.
- Saikat Chakrabarti – A former Stripe executive and tech billionaire (net worth > $100 million) who served as chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; ran an insurgent, progressive campaign.
Vote Totals and Campaign Finance
- Wiener: 40,017 votes (?41 % of the total) per ABC 7; earlier reports listed 37,562 votes at 9:45 p.m.
- Chan: 26,443 votes (?28 %); earlier tallies showed 24,276 votes.
- Chakrabarti: 13,154 votes (?15 %); earlier count 11,689 votes.
- Fundraising: Chan raised < $1 million; Chakrabarti self-funded ? $10 million and employed > 200 canvassers at $45 hour?¹.
Official Statements & Responses
Pelosi publicly endorsed Chan, stating she “knows and loves this district” and urged voters to elect Chan. Governor Gavin Newsom remarked to CNN that “I’m not sure what came first, Pelosi or San Francisco,” underscoring the seat’s symbolic weight. Wiener’s campaign announced, “We’re going to Washington,” signaling confidence in a November run.
Criticism & Opposition
Chakrabarti’s lack of local ties prompted opponents to label him a “carpetbagger,” a narrative amplified by Wiener supporters. His failure to secure an endorsement from Ocasio-Cortez further weakened his progressive credibility. Chan’s reliance on Pelosi’s endorsement and labor-union backing drew criticism that her campaign was “best known for what she opposed,” rather than original policy proposals.
On-the-Ground Reports
At an El Rio rally, over 100 supporters chanted “Yes we Chan!” as Chan declared, “We’re coming for you, billionaires, and we will win on November 3rd!” Meanwhile, Wiener’s crowd erupted in “Scott, Scott, Scott!” chants, reflecting strong grassroots enthusiasm.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on exact vote counts and percentages: Mission Local reported Wiener at 41.3 % and Chan at 28.6 %, while ABC 7 provided raw vote totals. No independent audit results have been released, leaving a gap in verification of the final tallies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “San Franciscans are ready for bold leadership, real results, and a new generation of leaders that isn’t afraid to take on the toughest fights facing our country.” — Scott Wiener
- “Just because you spend the most money doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to win at the ballot box.” — Connie Chan
- “San Franciscans! How does it feel to beat $10 million?!” — Connie Chan
- “it was just a couple of us who had the crazy idea of challenging Nancy Pelosi. Who does that?” — Saikat Chakrabarti
- “The way [the fighting] played out in this last election cycle is really ugly,” — Wendy Aragon, longtime organizer
What’s Next
The November 3 general election will pit Wiener against Chan. Both candidates must court Chakrabarti’s progressive base while maintaining their distinct constituencies. Campaign finance reports suggest a costly runoff, and analysts anticipate intensified outreach to labor unions, tech donors, and younger voters to secure the district’s next representative.
