From The San Francisco Standard · · 2m
The inside story behind the mysterious rift between Pelosi and Wiener
Pelosi and Wiener's campaign rift over Prop. 50 timing sparks congressional succession race.
In brief
Pelosi and Wiener's campaign rift over Prop. 50 timing sparks congressional succession race. Pelosi endorsed Connie Chan after Wiener's premature campaign announcement, ending their strained relationship over Prop. 50 timing. Originally reported by The San Francisco Standard.
The call that broke
Pelosi and Wiener's relationship deteriorated after a phone call in October 2025.
“Scott Wiener couldn’t wait any longer. He needed to talk to Nancy Pelosi.”
The waiting game
For over a year, Pelosi didn’t return Wiener’s calls despite his desire to replace her in Congress.
“But for at least two years, she hadn’t returned his calls.”
The Prop. 50 priority
Pelosi viewed California’s redistricting measure as her top priority to counter Trump’s Texas redistricting.
“Pelosi urged him to hold off on a formal announcement until after the vote on Proposition 50”
The leak
Wiener’s campaign announcement leaked after his call with Pelosi, causing tension between their teams.
“Soon after the call, the news leaked out, his allies allege”
The coffee meeting
Wiener met Christine Pelosi after The Standard reported his campaign plans, who suggested she run for his seat.
“What makes you think I’m not going to run for your job?”
The labor strategy
Chan secured Pelosi’s blessing by uniting labor leaders and ensuring Christine Pelosi wasn’t running.
“I’m not loyal to anyone in this race right now, but I am loyal to the people who have been with me through all the ups and downs”
The endorsement
Pelosi endorsed Chan after her campaign gained momentum, ending the race with Wiener.
“I can think of nobody better to represent the district”
The primary result
Chan won the primary with 29.7% of the vote after Pelosi’s endorsement and labor support.
“We’re going to beat corporate Democrats that are backed by billionaires too”
The general election
Chan and Wiener faced off in November 2026 for Pelosi’s congressional seat.
“Tonight you showed what people power looks like”
The aftermath
Pelosi’s endorsement helped Chan secure victory over Wiener in the general election.
“We’re going to beat corporate Democrats that are backed by billionaires too”
The succession plan
Pelosi had never developed a succession plan, leading to last-minute decisions.
“Insiders say she has faulted herself for assuming the Democratic caucus would choose the right successor”
The labor coalition
Chan united labor leaders to secure Pelosi’s endorsement for her congressional run.
“I’m not loyal to anyone in this race right now, but I am loyal to the people who have been with me through all the ups and downs”
The timing
Pelosi’s decision to endorse Chan came after her retirement announcement.
“Pelosi says she won’t seek reelection and doesn’t name a successor”
The Prop. 50 win
Prop. 50 passed overwhelmingly in November 2025, securing Pelosi’s political priority.
“Prop. 50 won overwhelmingly”
The race dynamics
Chan’s labor backing and Pelosi’s endorsement gave her an edge over Wiener.
“We’re going to beat corporate Democrats that are backed by billionaires too”
The final decision
Pelosi endorsed Chan after the primary, securing her victory in the general election.
“I can think of nobody better to represent the district”
The key point
Pelosi endorsed Connie Chan after Wiener's premature campaign announcement, ending their strained relationship over Prop. 50 timing.
