Nancy Pelosi's exit opens way for tough fight to replace her in San Francisco district

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's decision not to seek reelection in her San Francisco district after nearly four decades opens the door for a highly competitive race to replace her. This contest unfolds against a backdrop of significant challenges in her deeply Democratic city, including a severe housing affordability crisis and debates about its future development. Pelosi, a powerful figure in Democratic politics, announced her retirement, prompting an immediate scramble for her seat. San Francisco, with its exorbitant cost of living where median homes are priced at $1.4 million, is experiencing anxieties about who can afford to live there. This economic pressure is a central theme for potential candidates vying to represent a district where Republicans constitute a small fraction of the electorate. Several candidates have already emerged or are expected to enter the race. Saikat Chakrabarti, a former chief of staff for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and a former tech executive, is positioning himself as a progressive and generational candidate. State Senator Scott Wiener, known for his advocacy for denser housing development and as a prominent LGBTQ+ figure, is also running and faces both support and criticism for his policies. Other potential contenders include Pelosi's daughter, Christine Pelosi, and current Board of Supervisors member Connie Chan. Chan, who would be the first person of Asian descent to represent t... download the app to read more