Nancy Pelosi formally endorsed San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan on May 18 to succeed her in the city’s 11th Congressional District seat as Pelosi prepares to retire at the end of her current term [1, 2]. Pelosi has served in Congress since 1987 and was House Speaker twice.
The endorsement comes ahead of California’s June 2 primary, which will determine the top two candidates advancing to the November general election under the state’s open primary system [1, 2]. Chan faces a competitive race against State Senator Scott Wiener and former chief of staff to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Saikat Chakrabarti [1, 2].
Chan is a progressive Democrat with strong local labor union connections. She immigrated to the U.S. from Hong Kong at age 13 and has deep ties to San Francisco’s diverse communities [1, 2]. Pelosi praised Chan’s understanding of the district, saying "Connie understands San Francisco — our values, our diversity, our communities, and our responsibility to lead with both compassion and strength. She’s a mom who knows her power and knows her why" [2]. Pelosi added she is "confident Connie is ready to bring clarity and purpose to the work ahead — For The Children" [2].
Chan welcomed Pelosi’s support, stating, "I am honored to receive Speaker Emerita Pelosi's endorsement and I am grateful and humbled by the support I've received from thousands of San Franciscans who have joined this campaign" [2]. She pledged to fight to keep San Francisco "a place of opportunity for all San Franciscans, and the conscience of our nation" [2].
Polls show Chan in a close race with Chakrabarti for the second-place position behind Wiener [1]. As of March 2026, Wiener had $2.6 million in campaign funds compared to Chan’s $156,000, but Pelosi’s endorsement is expected to boost Chan’s fundraising efforts significantly [2].
The primary election on June 2 will be a key milestone in deciding who will face off in the November general election for the 11th Congressional District seat [1, 2].
