San Francisco voters elect state Sen. Scott Wiener to succeed Nancy Pelosi in Congress, CBS News projects

By Carlos E. Castañeda

California state Sen. Scott Wiener has been elected to succeed former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Congress, defeating San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, who received Pelosi’s endorsement, CBS News projects.  

Wiener claimed victory in the race after his opponent Chan conceded the race Wednesday.

Wiener will represent California’s 11th Congressional District, which covers most of San Francisco. Pelosi is retiring after nearly 40 years of serving in the House of Representees. 

“I’m humbled to carry forward the powerful legacy of this seat – Phil Burton, Sala Burton, and the greatest Speaker in modern American history, Nancy Pelosi,” Wiener said in a statement on Wednesday. “Speaker Pelosi came to Congress to fight AIDS when too many wanted to look away, and she never stopped fighting for our city and our country. Madame Speaker, thank you.” 

Earlier in the day, Chan issued a statement saying that while the results still needed to be counted, the outcome was clear.

“After reviewing the results and the ballots remaining to be counted, while we expect the margin to narrow significantly, we do not have a clear path to victory,” Chan said. “I congratulate Scott Wiener on his election and wish him success in serving San Francisco.”  

Wiener, who will take office in January, said he has little time to celebrate. He plans to fly to Washington, D.C., on Saturday for freshman orientation alongside other newly-elected members of the House of Representatives. 

Wiener gave a preview of his priorities entering Congress during a press conference on Thursday. He said his first priority will be reversing federal Medicaid cuts that he warned could leave millions of Americans without health coverage and force hospitals to close.

“We need to focus immediately on reversing the Medicaid cuts,” Wiener said. “Fifteen million people will be thrown off healthcare. Hospitals will close. We will see deep scarring in the healthcare system. So, we have to reverse those cuts.

Wiener also wants to protect the Affordable Care Act, strengthen government ethics rules and increase accountability in Washington.

“We need to take strong anti-corruption measures out of the gate. The depth of corruption in this administration is off the charts,” he said.

Wiener also plans to push for federal regulation of artificial intelligence, an issue he has worked on during his time in the state Senate.

Housing affordability will remain another major focus. Wiener said the problem extends far beyond San Francisco and requires a national response.

“Housing is always going to be a high priority for me. We have a national housing shortage, it’s not just San Francisco,” he said.

He also wants to restrict federal funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and stop the deportation of undocumented immigrants. On foreign policy, Wiener said he wants to end the war with Iran, arguing that doing so could help bring down gas and grocery prices. 

Wiener said Democrats must also remain focused on the issues voters care about most, particularly the rising cost of living.

“If there is an impeachment vote of the president, I will vote for it,” he said. “We also want to make sure that we are not losing focus on lowering people’s cost of living, on housing, healthcare, energy costs.

Wiener’s victory also comes with the challenge of succeeding one of the most influential figures in congressional history.

Pelosi, who had endorsed Chan over her longtime political ally Wiener, said in a statement on Wednesday that she would assist Wiener in the transition. Pelosi’s endorsement of Chan was widely seen as a rebuke of Wiener who announced his candidacy for Pelosi’s seat before she had announced her retirement.

“I congratulate Scott Wiener on his election to the Congress. Representing San Francisco is an extraordinary honor and a profound responsibility. My office stands ready to assist in the transition, and I wish him success in service for the people of our City,” Pelosi said. “For nearly four decades, San Franciscans have entrusted me with the privilege of being their voice in the House. My gratitude is boundless, and my confidence in our city’s future remains strong. Our work for a fairer, more just America continues.”     

Pelosi was the first woman to be elected Speaker of the House and the first woman to lead a major political party in Congress. She has led House Democrats for 20 years, tied for the second-longest leadership after Sam Rayburn of Texas.

Asked about his relationship with Pelosi on Thursday, Wiener expressed confidence they could work together.

“The Speaker Emerita and I have not spoken yet. I’m sure we will. Obviously, campaigns are always challenging, and they get contentious,” Wiener said. “I am confident that the Speaker Emerita and I will be able to work together for the benefit of San Francisco.”

Wiener’s election also marks a milestone for the LGBTQ community.

“As a gay man, being the first LGBTQ member of Congress from San Francisco … In fact, there has never been an LGBTQ member of Congress representing any part of Northern California ever. That is a responsibility I take so seriously. The LGBTQ community is under assault in this country,” he said.

Wiener now has about two months to prepare for his new role. He said Democrats must balance holding the administration accountable with delivering on affordability, warning that if the party fails to improve people’s lives, the political momentum behind the blue wave could quickly fade.