Scott Wiener Challenges Nancy Pelosi for Congress in 2026

SAN FRANCISCO — State Senator Scott Wiener plans to run for Nancy Pelosi‘s congressional seat in 2026, presenting a significant challenge to the longtime incumbent. Wiener, who has served in the California Senate since 2016, has reportedly raised over $1 million for his campaign.

Pelosi, 85, has represented San Francisco in Congress since 1987 but has not announced whether she will seek reelection. This uncertainty allows Wiener to step into the race, which he had previously held off on until Pelosi indicated her retirement.

Ian Krager, a spokesperson for Pelosi, emphasized her focus on upcoming elections rather than on challengers. “Speaker Pelosi is fully focused on her mission to win the Yes on 50 special election in California on November 4th,” Krager stated, disregarding questions about Wiener’s entry into the race.

Wiener, 55, is known for his LGBTQ+ advocacy and legislative achievements, such as promoting gender-affirming care for minors. He has participated in cultural events in San Francisco and has openly critiqued the Trump Administration and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.

Facing Wiener in the primary will be Saikat Chakrabarti, another formidable candidate who is raising significant funds for his campaign, further complicating the race for Pelosi’s seat.

In recent statements, Wiener has expressed urgency in his decision to enter the race, citing the potential for wealthy candidates to sway campaign dynamics. “In a potential race against extremely wealthy candidates who can self-fund, I’ll have to work very hard to prepare to go toe to toe,” he noted.

The Democratic Party is witnessing a generational shift, and with challengers like Chakrabarti and Wiener, the landscape for the 2026 congressional election is rapidly changing. The outcome may shed light on the party’s direction as it seeks to regain ground in Washington.