California Lawmaker Favored to Succeed Pelosi Faces Tough Political Terrain

Scott Wiener, a state legislator known for his policy advocacy, is expected to win the California Democratic Party's endorsement for Pelosi's House seat.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The California state lawmaker favored to succeed Nancy Pelosi in the U.S. House, Scott Wiener, has already been thrust into the national spotlight as the force behind headline-grabbing policies. Wiener is expected to win the California Democratic Party's endorsement on Sunday, giving his candidacy an extra boost in a competitive primary. Once in Washington, he could swiftly become a fresh symbol of San Francisco politics, derided by conservatives as an example of extreme liberalism while occasionally clashing with progressives.

Why it matters

Wiener's challenge of navigating modern Democratic politics was on display in January when he changed his language on the war in Gaza, angering some Jewish groups. His candidacy for Pelosi's House seat highlights the difficult political terrain many Democrats are navigating as views on Israel have shifted, with American sympathy for Israel dropping to an all-time low in 2025, particularly among Democrats and independents.

The details

Wiener, known for his calm demeanor, is often at the center of California's most divisive issues, from housing to drug use. He has authored laws requiring large companies to disclose their climate emissions and ramp up apartment construction near public transit stops. However, he has also faced losses, such as when a judge blocked his law banning local and federal law enforcement agents from wearing face coverings. Wiener's critics come from both parties, with Republicans blasting many of his policies aimed at defending LGBTQ+ people and some progressives, like former San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin, criticizing his policies.

  • In January 2026, Wiener changed his language on the war in Gaza, angering some Jewish groups.
  • Wiener is expected to win the California Democratic Party's endorsement on Sunday.

The players

Scott Wiener

A California state lawmaker favored to succeed Nancy Pelosi in the U.S. House, known for his policy advocacy and ability to navigate divisive political issues.

Nancy Pelosi

A former House Speaker who is retiring, leaving her seat open for a competitive primary.

Connie Chan

A San Francisco Supervisor running against Wiener for Pelosi's House seat.

Saikat Chakrabarti

A former tech executive running against Wiener for Pelosi's House seat.

Aaron Peskin

A former San Francisco Supervisor and outspoken progressive who has criticized Wiener's policies.

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What they’re saying

“If you're willing to risk people being mad at you, you can get things done and make people's lives better.”

— Scott Wiener, California State Lawmaker (Associated Press)

“It was screwing my government's ability to deliver goods and services to the people that we represent.”

— Aaron Peskin, Former San Francisco Supervisor (Associated Press)

“Do I think he wins or loses based on this issue? Not necessarily, but it could become a problem for him.”

— Jim Ross, San Francisco Bay Area Political Consultant (Associated Press)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Wiener's law banning local and federal law enforcement agents from wearing face coverings to take effect.

The takeaway

Wiener's candidacy for Pelosi's House seat highlights the delicate balance Democratic politicians must strike in navigating divisive issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where views have shifted significantly among the party's base. His ability to advocate for progressive policies while maintaining establishment ties will be crucial in determining his success in the primary.