Scott Wiener wins race to succeed Pelosi
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Wiener celebrated among his supporters in the Castro Tuesday evening. Photo: Nadia Lopez/Axios
State Sen. Scott Wiener won the race to succeed Nancy Pelosi in Congress, per the Associated Press.
Why it matters: Wiener's win ushers in a new era of political leadership for San Francisco after nearly four decades under one of the Democratic Party's most powerful figures.
Driving the news: Wiener has 54.6% of the vote, while Supervisor Connie Chan has 45.4%. The AP called the race for Wiener Friday morning.
- Chan had conceded the race on Wednesday.
State of play: Wiener, an openly gay lawmaker and longtime champion of LGBTQ protections, immigration rights and housing reform, will now have a bigger platform to tackle some of California's most contentious policy debates.
- His victory marks a major win for the city's moderate political coalition, which has gained ground in recent years by pushing for more housing, government reform and a different approach to some of the city's most pressing challenges.
What they're saying: "You all turned this campaign into a movement," Wiener said to a crowded audience of supporters at a campaign party Tuesday evening. "Tonight's victory is for the entire beautiful tapestry of San Francisco."
The big picture: Pelosi's departure leaves enormous shoes to fill. First elected to Congress in 1987, she became the first woman to serve as House speaker and one of the most influential figures in modern politics.
- Wiener, a former supervisor who spent more than a decade in the state Senate, enters Congress with an extensive legislative record and a reputation for taking on politically divisive issues.
Between the lines: Wiener's victory is especially significant given that Pelosi endorsed Chan.
- The outcome reflects the growing strength of San Francisco's moderate political coalition and donor class — including billionaires like Chris Larsen and Michael Moritz, who've helped propel politicians like Mayor Daniel Lurie into power.
- Such influences have challenged the progressive establishment's grip on local politics.
Yes, but: Wiener enters Congress without the seniority, relationships or leadership positions that allowed Pelosi to wield enormous influence in Washington and secure resources for her hometown.
- How he navigates his new role will be a test of his political instincts and ability to forge alliances in an increasingly polarized Washington.
What we're watching: Whether Wiener can translate his legislative experience in Sacramento into influence on Capitol Hill.
The bottom line: Wiener's victory signals a new chapter for a city whose political priorities and leadership are evolving beyond the Pelosi era.