Retiring Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has made her pick. On Monday, she endorsed San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan (D) in the race to succeed her in California's 11th Congressional District, giving Chan the backing of the district's most powerful Democrat just weeks before the June 2 primary.
Pelosi, a two-time House speaker, is retiring after representing San Francisco in Congress for four decades. She's the only woman to serve as speaker and remains the longest-tenured member of California's House delegation. (Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), now 87, would take that title if she wins reelection in November.)
In a video shared on Instagram by both campaigns, Pelosi sat beside Chan and said: "I know and love this district, I know the Congress and I know Connie. I'm proud to endorse Democrat Connie Chan and ask you to join me in electing her to Congress. Thank you."
Chan, who has served on San Francisco's Board of Supervisors since 2021, entered the race in November by highlighting her working-class roots and ties to Pelosi. Her launch video included a photo with Pelosi, and she said, "I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me and fought for the same values." Her campaign website also features photos with prominent California Democrats, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.).
But the race is far from a coronation. Chan trails state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-Calif.) in fundraising. Federal Election Commission filings show Chan had raised more than $457,000 and had more than $156,000 on hand at the end of March. Wiener raised more than $734,000 in the first quarter and had more than $2.6 million on hand. Saikat Chakrabarti, former chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), entered the race in February 2025. His campaign reported more than $360,000 in contributions and a candidate loan exceeding $4.8 million.
California's primary is June 2. Under state rules, the top two finishers advance to November regardless of party. So while Pelosi's endorsement is a big deal, the final outcome is still very much up in the air.
Photo: Asatur Yesayants on Shutterstock.com
