Nancy Pelosi Endorses San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan To Succeed Her In California’s 11th District

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan to succeed her in California’s 11th Congressional District, with Pelosi saying in an endorsement video, “I’m proud to endorse Democrat Connie Chan and ask you to join me in electing her to Congress.”

“In summary Pelosi’s endorsement could push Chan into second place behind Sen”

CalMatters

Pelosi’s endorsement came as the open primary is set for June 2, with the top-two finishers regardless of party advancing to the general election, and the Hill reported it was seeking confirmation from Chan’s campaign.

CalMatters

The San Francisco Chronicle said Pelosi’s endorsement preview would be released Tuesday and described Chan as “the leader best prepared to carry forward the fight for San Francisco in the Congress of the United States,” according to a transcript snippet obtained by the paper.

Politico reported Pelosi said in a letter to residents Monday that Chan “stands above the rest” of the field, and CNN said the video would end with one of Pelosi’s most famous phrases.

The Hill also reported that Chan entered the race in November and that as of the end of March her campaign had received more than $457,000 in contributions and had more than $156,000 on hand, according to the Federal Election Commission.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that a May poll found 40% of respondents said they either planned to vote for Scott Wiener or leaned toward voting for him, while Chan was in a statistical tie with Saikat Chakrabarti at 18% and 17% respectively.

In response to Pelosi’s endorsement, Wiener said Monday that he has “tremendous respect for Speaker Emerita Pelosi and deep gratitude for everything she has done for our city and our country,” and added, “Whoever wins in November will have giant stilettos to fill.”

CNN

CNN described Pelosi’s video message as emphasizing that “Connie understands San Francisco — our values, our diversity, our communities, and our responsibility to lead with both compassion and strength,” and it said the endorsement comes two weeks before the election that will advance the top two candidates to November.

The Chronicle also said Chan and Pelosi share backers, including organized labor, and noted endorsements for Chan from the California Labor Federation, the California Teachers Association and the National Nurses United.

CalMatters framed the endorsement as a last-minute twist in the three-way Democratic race, saying Chan was neck-and-neck with Chakrabarti and that Wiener was leading by double digits in recent polls.

Pelosi’s endorsement positioned Chan as a candidate prepared to fight “forcefully and effectively” for San Francisco and the future of the country, with Politico quoting Pelosi’s letter that “At a time when fundamental freedoms and democratic values are under assault, we need a leader in Congress who is prepared to fight.”

“SAN FRANCISCO - Longtime Rep”

KTVU

CNN said the endorsement comes just two weeks before the election that will advance the top two candidates to the November election, and it listed the other candidates as state Sen. Scott Wiener, self-funding internet businessman Saikat Chakrabarti, and local activist Marie Hurabiell.

The Hill reported that Chan’s campaign had lagged behind Wiener’s on fundraising, with Wiener’s campaign receiving more than $734,000 in contributions during the first quarter of 2026 alone and having more than $2.6 million on hand as of the end of March, according to the FEC.

Mission Local said the endorsement was “a real shot in the arm for Connie’s campaign” and quoted a progressive political consultant, Jim Stearns, saying, “If you endorsed six months ago, it’s old news. But you endorse now, it’s big news.”

Politico added that Pelosi had earlier resisted making such a recommendation and said she spent the last six months closely watching the campaign, while CalMatters said the nod could push Chan into second place behind Wiener ahead of Chakrabarti.