With Nancy Pelosi's announcement that she will not seek re-election in 2026, the spotlight turns to who might succeed her in representing California's 11th Congressional District — one of the highest-profile Democratic seats in the country. Three Democrats are currently emerging as the front-runners: State Senator Scott Wiener, former congressional aide Saikat Chakrabarti, and Democratic strategist Christine Pelosi.
Scott Wiener: The Establishment Progressive
California State Senator Scott Wiener is widely viewed as the frontrunner. He represents San Francisco in the state legislature and has built a reputation as a pragmatic progressive focused on housing, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate policy. Wiener officially launched his campaign for Congress shortly after Pelosi's announcement, framing himself as a candidate who can bring state-level experience to Washington.
Polling data backs his lead: an EMC Research poll of 500 registered San Francisco voters found that 51 % preferred to elect someone other than Pelosi in 2026. Among potential challengers, Wiener earned the highest favorability rating at 61 %, according to reports.
Weiner enters the race with strong name recognition and institutional support, putting him in the best position to consolidate around the mainstream faction of the district's Democratic electorate.
Saikat Chakrabarti: The Progressive Disruptor
Former tech executive and political strategist Saikat Chakrabarti — best known as a co-founder of Justice Democrats and as the former chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — has also entered the race. His candidacy brings an outsider's energy to a district long defined by establishment power. Chakrabarti is running on a platform of aggressive climate action, campaign finance reform, and structural change.
He cites polling that shows 65 % of voters in the district believe new leadership in Congress is needed, and 51 % of past Pelosi supporters say it is time for change, according to Metro Weekly. While he currently lags behind Wiener in favorability, his ability to mobilize younger, left-leaning voters gives him the potential to shake up the race.
Christine Pelosi: The Family Legacy
Political strategist Christine Pelosi — the daughter of Nancy Pelosi — is also in the mix, having filed preliminary paperwork to run for the seat. A longtime figure in Democratic Party politics, Christine has served in party leadership roles and brings name recognition and a deep local network.
Though formal polling data specific to her candidacy is limited, the same EMC Research poll cited above found her favorability rating at 21 % among the same set of potential challengers, according to the San Francisco Standard. Her entry shifts the dynamic of the race into one where legacy and continuity are factors, though some Democratic voters may view her as emblematic of political dynasty, which could limit her appeal in a moment when "change" is a prevalent theme.
A Changing of the Guard
The race to replace Nancy Pelosi represents more than just a local contest — it is a symbolic moment of transition for the Democratic Party. Whether voters opt for a seasoned lawmaker like Wiener, a movement-driven activist like Chakrabarti, or a legacy candidate like Christine Pelosi, the outcome will shape the next phase of progressive leadership in one of the nation's most influential political districts.
