Wiener Takes Lead
Scott Wiener Leads Primary for Pelosi's Seat, Signals Generational Shift
State Sen. Scott Wiener took an early lead in California’s 11th Congressional District Democratic primary on June 2, 2026, seeking to succeed Nancy Pelosi, with 43.4% of the vote compared with Connie Chan’s 28.1% and Saikat Chakrabarti’s 13.5%. Under the election rules, the top two finishers advance to the November general election. Pelosi has endorsed Chan for the open seat as she ends her long House career, and her backing—along with support from major labor and LGBTQ Democratic groups—frames Chan’s appeal to working-class voters and affordable housing priorities. Wiener, speaking to supporters after winning the early results, cast his campaign as a generational shift from Pelosi’s legacy, pledging to challenge the Trump administration while also rejecting a return to the pre-Trump status quo on healthcare, transgender rights, and immigration enforcement. The race features candidates across the political spectrum and is confined entirely within San Francisco aside from a few neighborhoods, giving the primary a uniquely local character ahead of the November matchup.
Key Points
After the initial results, Scott Wiener told supporters, “I’m polite, but I’m not quiet,” adding, “I will not wait my turn,” and he cautioned that he is still facing “institutional” challenges heading into November.
CBS News reports that the 11th Congressional District is entirely within San Francisco but does not include the Excelsior District, Ocean View, Portola, and Visitacion Valley.
A San Francisco Chronicle poll released in early May found Wiener leading with 40%, while Saikat Chakrabarti and Connie Chan were close behind in a statistical dead heat for second at 18% and 17%, respectively.
CBS News highlights Wiener’s legislative record, saying he authored laws signed into effect to expand the supply of housing, “ban most law enforcement wearing face masks,” and proposed a tax measure to fund Bay Area transit, and that he received the California Democratic Party’s endorsement in February.
Federal Election Commission data (through May 13) cited by The New York Times reports that Chakrabarti spent the most money in the race at $8.8 million.
Sentiment
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Reach
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