Retiring Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) endorsed San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan on Monday in the race to succeed her in California's 11th Congressional District, providing the candidate with a high-profile boost from the longtime Democratic leader.
"I know and love this district, I know the Congress and I know Connie," Pelosi said in a video shared by both campaigns on Instagram. "I'm proud to endorse Democrat Connie Chan and ask you to join me in electing her to Congress."
Pelosi is retiring after representing San Francisco in the House for nearly four decades. The 86-year-old two-time speaker of the House is the longest-tenured member of California's House delegation, with 87-year-old Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) set to assume that distinction if she wins reelection.
Chan, who has served on San Francisco's Board of Supervisors since 2021, entered the race in November highlighting her working-class roots and ties to Pelosi. In her launch video, Chan included a photo with the longtime congresswoman and said, "I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me and fought for the same values."
What the Right Is Saying
Republican strategists view California's 11th Congressional District as solidly Democratic following redistricting, making the June 2 primary effectively determine the seat's next representative. The district's partisan lean limits direct Republican engagement in the race.
Some conservative commentators have noted that Pelosi's endorsement, while symbolically significant, may carry less electoral weight than in previous cycles given her declining public approval numbers in recent years. National Republicans have not invested resources in the contest.
GOP observers point to fundraising disparities as a potential indicator of broader party dynamics, noting that Wiener's substantial war chest and Chakrabarti's self-financing suggest both candidates are positioning for competitive campaigns regardless of the primary outcome.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive Democrats have largely welcomed the race's competitive field as healthy for the district. Saikat Chakrabarti, a former chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), entered the race in February 2025 and has positioned himself as the most progressive candidate, loaning his campaign more than $4.8 million as of March.
State Sen. Scott Wiener, who began campaigning weeks before Pelosi announced her retirement, has emerged as a well-funded moderate alternative. His campaign received more than $734,000 in contributions during the first quarter of 2026 and had more than $2.6 million on hand at the end of March.
Chan has sought to position herself as a bridge between the party's establishment and progressive wings. Her campaign website features photos with Pelosi alongside other prominent California Democrats including former Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.).
What the Numbers Show
Federal Election Commission records as of March 31 show significant variation in candidate resources:
Chan: More than $457,000 in total contributions raised, with more than $156,000 on hand.
Wiener: More than $734,000 raised during the first quarter of 2026 alone, with more than $2.6 million on hand.
Chakrabarti: More than $360,000 in contributions received, plus a personal loan of more than $4.8 million to his campaign.
The candidates' combined fundraising approaches reflect different strategies: Chan relying primarily on small-dollar donors and establishment backing, Wiener building broad institutional support, and Chakrabarti self-funding a high-spending campaign.
The Bottom Line
Pelosi's endorsement provides Chan with the most recognizable name in San Francisco politics behind her candidacy as she seeks to distinguish herself in a multi-candidate Democratic primary. However, the race's financial dynamics suggest significant challenges ahead for Chan's campaign compared to better-funded opponents.
The June 2 open primary will determine whether any candidate receives a majority or whether the top two finishers advance to a general election. Given the district's strong Democratic lean, the primary outcome is likely to decide the seat.
Wiener's substantial fundraising advantage and Chakrabarti's self-financing capacity mean Chan will need to convert Pelosi's backing into both small-dollar donations and voter turnout to remain competitive through primary day.