Politics
NEW: Pelosi Draws Primary Challenge From Far-Left San Francisco Lawmaker
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is expected to face a primary challenge from an infamous San Francisco Democrat as she seeks a 21st term in congress next year.
California State Senator Scott Wiener (D-CA) is expected to formally announce his bid to represent the Golden State’s 11th Congressional District, according to a report from Politico citing three sources familiar with Wiener plans. The far-left lawmaker had previously indicated that he would wait until Pelosi, 85, decided to retire, though he and other potential candidates appear to be running out of patience.
Pelosi, who has served in congress since 1987, has not yet announced whether she plans to seek another term next year.
Wiener’s campaign launch comes after the former House speaker drew another primary challenger in Saikat Chakrabarti, a former tech executive who has previously served as chief of staff for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
Wiener participates in the San Francisco Pride Parade in 2022
Photo: Gabriel Classon
Wiener, an influential voice of the far-left in Sacramento, has generated national notoriety due to some of his radical views on social issues.
The San Francisco-based lawmaker sponsored a bill that reduced penalties for knowingly exposing a sexual partner to HIV/AIDS from a felony to a misdemeanor. He has also served as the driving voice behind a number of the state’s radical gender ideology bills, including SB 957, which directs courts to consider a parent’s affirmation of a child’s gender identity in custody disputes.
The latest report highlights the growing, largely generational divide among the Democratic Party’s “progressive” wing and longtime establishment figures like Pelosi. A number of longtime Democrats, including Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY), have announced their retirements from congress ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Pelosi spokesman Ian Krager sidestepped questions about Wiener’s expected candidacy, saying the congresswoman is focused on campaigning for California Governor Gavin Newsom’s effort to draw out five Republican-controlled House districts.
“Speaker Pelosi is fully focused on her mission to win the Yes on 50 special election in California on November 4th on the path to taking back the House for the Democrats,” Krager told Politico. “She urges all Californians to join in that mission.”
If Pelosi does decide to retire, additional potential candidates for her seat include her daughter Christine Pelosi, who is a longtime party organizer; San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan; and Jane Kim, former supervisor and director of the California Working Families Party.
Wiener’s campaign is expected to be well-funded, however, as he has already raised more than $1 million for his primary bid. Chakrabarti has also announced that he will be using $700,000 in personal funds to launch his own campaign.
