Report: State Sen. Scott Wiener planning run for Nancy Pelosi’s congressional seat

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Speculation is shaking up San Francisco’s Democratic establishment amid a new report that state Sen. Scott Wiener is preparing to run for the U.S. House seat long held by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.

The San Francisco Standard first reported Thursday night that sources close to Wiener revealed he is planning to launch a campaign for Pelosi’s seat as early as next week.

A spokesperson for Wiener declined to comment on the reports to ABC7 News, but in June the Democratic senator filed paperwork as a candidate in 2028 to run for Pelosi’s seat.

Wiener has repeatedly said he would not run so long as the former speaker is seeking re-election, but sources told The Standard that the state lawmaker is moving up his timeline and is expected to make a formal announcement next week.

Pelosi – who is widely seen as one of the most powerful women in American history – has not said whether she’ll seek a 21st term in 2026.

For months, progressive newcomer Saikat Chakrabarti has been campaigning against Pelosi, positioning himself as part of a new generation of Democratic leadership. The ex-techie previously ran Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign for the House and served as her chief of staff.

“Scott Wiener has said over and over that he will never run a race against Nancy Pelosi, and I trust his word. Regardless, the Democratic Party needs a new kind of leader who is not a part of the establishment, because the establishment has failed us,” Chakrabarti said in a statement to ABC7 News.

His campaign has already circulated internal polling suggesting an appetite for generational change among San Francisco Democrats – a sentiment that could motivate Wiener’s potential bid.

Political analysts say the timing could be significant.

“I don’t think anybody’s really imagined seriously that she was going to lose her seat any time over the last few decades,” said political analyst Nolan Higdon with UC Santa Cruz. “But this does seem to be kind of the weakest point of her candidacy.”

Higdon added that the challenge isn’t just about age – it reflects a broader frustration within the party.

“Age is an important factor, but I don’t think it’s everything. I think folks just want something new and different,” he said. “They’re tapping into this national frustration with the Democratic Party.”

Ian Krager, a spokesperson for Pelosi, said she remains focused on upcoming political battles, like the redistricting special election less than three weeks away.

“She is fully focused on her mission to win the ‘Yes on 50’ special election in California on November 4. She urges all Californians to join in that mission on the path to Democrats taking back the House,” he said.