Nancy Pelosi Hasn’t Announced Her 2026 Plans. Scott Wiener Is Running Anyway.
For years, Scott Wiener has eyed San Francisco’s coveted congressional seat like a prizefighter eyeing a championship belt. As a Democratic state senator, he’s built formidable clout through landmark housing policies and LGBTQ rights advocacy across California. But there’s always been one towering figure blocking his path: Nancy Pelosi.
Now, Wiener’s throwing his hat into the ring.
The 54-year-old legislator formally announced his candidacy Tuesday for the 2026 congressional race, making clear he can no longer afford to defer to Pelosi’s timeline. The 85-year-old former House speaker – who has represented San Francisco since 1987 – remains tight-lipped about her own 2026 plans.
"We cannot afford to continue to wait," Wiener told reporters outside City Hall, the Golden Gate Bridge framing his determined stance. "San Francisco needs a voice in Congress today, not tomorrow."
The decision sets up a potential political heavyweight bout in one of America’s most liberal strongholds. Pelosi, who shattered glass ceilings as the first female House speaker, hasn’t signaled whether she’ll seek another term. For Wiener, patience has become a luxury he can’t afford.
"This is about more than one seat – it’s about ensuring our community’s values aren’t left on the back burner," he emphasized. "We need someone who’s already fighting in the trenches, not waiting for a signal from D.C."
Political observers note San Francisco’s district is considered a Democratic stronghold, meaning the primary election will likely determine the winner. If Pelosi retires, her departure would create a rare open seat in Congress, potentially drawing a crowded field of progressive contenders.
Wiener brings Sacramento credentials to the race, including his work on California’s landmark housing reform bills and transgender rights legislation. He’s positioned himself as Pelosi’s progressive heir apparent in recent years, but the waiting game officially ends now.
As the city’s political gears begin turning toward 2026, one thing’s certain: the race for Pelosi’s seat just got real. And Scott Wiener isn’t asking permission anymore.
Read the original reporting on The New York Times