California's 11th Congressional District: A Competitive Primary to Succeed Pelosi
A competitive primary is underway for California's 11th congressional district, the seat held by Representative Nancy Pelosi for 39 years. Pelosi is serving her final term and has endorsed San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan to succeed her. The primary election is scheduled for June 2, with the top two candidates advancing to the November general election under California's jungle primary system.
Candidates and Key Positions
The primary field includes three main candidates:
Connie Chan
Chan is a San Francisco Board of Supervisors member, serving since 2021, who currently chairs the Budget Committee. Born in Hong Kong, she immigrated to the U.S. at age 13. Her background includes work as a volunteer Chinese interpreter, community organizer, and legislative aide to then-District Attorney Kamala Harris. She has positioned herself as a candidate for working people and union values.
Saikat Chakrabarti
Chakrabarti is a former chief of staff to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. He is a self-described centimillionaire who has funded his campaign personally. His platform includes the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, taxing billionaires, and banning congressional stock trading. He co-founded Justice Democrats and worked on Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign. Chakrabarti has criticized Pelosi's leadership and highlighted her family's stock trades. Ocasio-Cortez has not endorsed him.
Scott Wiener
Wiener is a state senator widely regarded as the most moderate candidate in the race. He has received endorsements from various elected officials.
Pelosi Endorsement
Pelosi announced her endorsement of Chan on May 18, two weeks before the June 2 primary. In a video statement, Pelosi said she believes Chan is the best candidate to represent the district. The endorsement came after weeks of public praise but no official support from Pelosi.
Chakrabarti downplayed the endorsement, stating that his campaign strategy focuses on grassroots support rather than establishment endorsements.
Polling
An EMC Research poll conducted May 3-7 showed Wiener at 38%, Chan at 22%, and Chakrabarti at 21%.
Criticisms, Supporters, and Expert Analysis
Chakrabarti has faced criticism from opponents who question his ties to the district and his self-funding. Some local progressives have pointed to his support for moderate candidates in local San Francisco races, including Bilal Mahmood and Daniel Lurie, as inconsistent with his national progressive stance.
Chakrabarti's message has resonated with voters seeking stronger action on issues like climate change and Israel aid. His campaign is presented as part of a broader progressive movement.
David McCuan, a political scientist, stated that Pelosi's endorsement aimed to boost Chan's campaign performance. Political strategist Jim Ross noted the race's central tension is the role of money in politics.
Matt Bennett of Third Way argued that Chan and Wiener are both establishment candidates, while Chakrabarti represents the insurgency.
Jim Kessler of Third Way stated that the most moderate candidate, Wiener, is likely to win.