Scott Wiener Plans 2026 Run for Pelosi Seat

California State Sen. Scott Wiener plans to run in 2026 for the San Francisco-area congressional seat long held by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with a formal announcement expected next week after his exploratory committee raised about $1 million. Wiener accelerated the bid after previously saying he would wait for Pelosi to retire and amid new challengers such as Saikat Chakrabarti and growing interest in an open seat. Pelosi, 85, has not announced whether she will retire, has reported roughly $2 million in campaign contributions, and continues public duties. Wiener is a high-profile progressive known for LGBTQ advocacy and major housing upzoning, but his record has drawn controversy over legislation that eased some sex-offender registry rules and measures related to gender and parental rights. If elected he would be the first openly gay member of Congress to represent San Francisco, and the primary could be competitive and politically bruising with potential entrants including Christine Pelosi.