Pelosi's Preferred Candidate Loses: Scott Wiener Surges Past Endorsed Rivals

In a striking reversal of the party establishment’s playbook, Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener has grabbed the lead in San Francisco’s race to replace Nancy Pelosi in Congress—despite the legendary former House Speaker throwing her considerable weight behind someone else entirely.

The June 2 primary results tell a clear story: Wiener is outpacing the field, while the two candidates Pelosi actually endorsed—San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan and former political staffer Saikat Chakrabarti—have split the establishment vote. Chan secured 29% of the vote and advanced to November’s general election, while Chakrabarti trailed at 15%, but also moved forward. With only 47% of votes reported at the time of these results, the race remains fluid, but Wiener’s commanding position is unmistakable.

What makes this outcome particularly notable is what it reveals about the limits of even a titan’s influence. Pelosi, who shaped San Francisco politics for decades, made her preferences crystal clear by backing both Chan and Chakrabarti. Yet the voters in California’s 11th Congressional District had other ideas. Wiener, who has represented the district in the state Senate, evidently connected with the electorate in a way that Pelosi’s dual endorsement couldn’t overcome.

This isn’t just about wounded egos or bruised pride in Democratic circles—it signals a potential generational shift in how San Francisco Democrats mobilize. Wiener’s ability to out-perform Pelosi’s chosen candidates suggests he’s tapped into something that resonates with primary voters: whether it’s his legislative record, his appeal to younger voters, his coalition-building, or simply name recognition and ground game, he’s commanding the moment.

The November general election will be the true test. Wiener now faces Chan in a head-to-head matchup that could reshape San Francisco’s representation on Capitol Hill. For a seat held by Pelosi for decades, the transition has all the makings of a genuine power shift rather than a coronation of the establishment’s choice.