San Francisco's Next Congress Member? The Candidates Debate

Connie Chan, Saikat Chakrabarti, and Scott Wiener face off in pivotal pre-primary debate

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:00am by Ben Kaplan

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting an empty debate stage or podium, with warm sunlight casting dramatic shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of anticipation and civic engagement.As San Francisco prepares to choose its next congressional representative, the candidates' debate offers voters a pivotal moment to weigh the city's future direction.San Francisco Today

Candidates for San Francisco's congressional seat will meet live onstage for a consequential debate before this year's primary election. City Supervisor Connie Chan, former political advisor Saikat Chakrabarti, and State Senator Scott Wiener will present their visions for the city and how they would represent its interests in Washington.

Why it matters

This debate comes at a pivotal moment for San Francisco politics, as the city prepares to choose its next representative in Congress. The candidates' positions on key issues like housing, climate, immigration, and economic inequality will be closely watched by voters.

The details

The debate, co-presented by City Arts & Lectures, Commonwealth Club World Affairs, KQED, and Manny's, will be moderated by KQED's Scott Shafer and Sydney Johnson. It will explore the candidates' approaches to leadership and how they differ on the major challenges facing San Francisco.

  • The debate will take place on March 31, 2026.
  • It will be held at the historic Sydney Goldstein Theater in San Francisco.

The players

Connie Chan

San Francisco City Supervisor running for Congress.

Saikat Chakrabarti

Former political advisor and software engineer running for Congress.

Scott Wiener

California State Senator running for Congress.

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What they’re saying

“This debate comes at a pivotal moment for San Francisco politics, as the city prepares to choose its next representative in Congress.”

— Scott Shafer, KQED Moderator

“The candidates' positions on key issues like housing, climate, immigration, and economic inequality will be closely watched by voters.”

— Sydney Johnson, KQED Moderator

What’s next

Ticket proceeds from the debate will go to support Vote.org voter registration initiatives. For a deeper dive into the candidates' plans on climate issues and energy, the public is invited to attend a Commonwealth Club World Affairs event on April 22 for SF Climate Week at Climate One.

The takeaway

This debate represents a critical moment for San Francisco voters to hear directly from the candidates vying to be the city's next representative in Congress. The outcome will shape the city's priorities and influence on national politics in the years to come.