Nancy Pelosi makes it official She's not running for Congress
Rep. Nancy Pelosi announced she will not run for a 21st term in Congress, concluding a historic tenure that began in 1987. Her decision follows the overwhelming passage of Prop. 50, which aims to create more Democratic-friendly districts in California. In a heartfelt six-minute video, Pelosi expressed her gratitude for serving San Francisco and emphasized the honor of being its voice in Congress.
The 2026 race for her seat is already crowded with candidates, including Saikat Chakrabarti, who advocates for significant economic reforms, and Sen. Scott Wiener, who has long desired to succeed her. Chakrabarti's entry has energized the race, while Wiener's comments reflect the urgency of political decisions. Pelosi's exit also opens the door for potential successors, such as her daughter Christine and District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan, who is positioned to appeal to a diverse voter base. The shift in representation could reshape local and national politics significantly.
Pelosi concluded her announcement with a heartfelt tribute to San Francisco, calling it "the greatest city on earth.