SEIU California un-endorses Scott Wiener for S.F. Congress over CEO tax

Union cites Wiener's opposition to 'Overpaid CEO Tax' ballot measure as reason for withdrawing support

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:04pm by Ben Kaplan

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A fractured, abstract painting of a San Francisco skyline silhouette, with a large corporate skyscraper distorted and repeated in waves of blue and gray color, conveying the tension between business and labor in the city.The battle over a proposed 'Overpaid CEO Tax' in San Francisco reflects the city's ongoing struggle to balance corporate interests and working-class needs.San Francisco Today

SEIU California, one of the state's most influential unions, has withdrawn its endorsement of state Sen. Scott Wiener in his bid for the San Francisco congressional seat. The union cited Wiener's opposition to Proposition D, a local ballot measure that would levy taxes on companies where the CEO earns 100 times or more than the median employee. The 'Overpaid CEO Tax' was placed on the ballot by San Francisco labor unions, including local SEIU branches, to fill the city's $650 million deficit. SEIU said Wiener's stance on the measure 'reveals who is standing with working people' and that supporting the tax 'should be an easy choice' for the city's next congressmember.

Why it matters

The withdrawal of SEIU's endorsement is a significant blow to Wiener's campaign, as the union is one of the most powerful political forces in California. It highlights the growing divide between moderate Democrats like Wiener, who are concerned about the impact of new taxes on businesses, and more progressive unions and activists who see the 'Overpaid CEO Tax' as a crucial measure to fund vital public services. The race for Pelosi's seat has become a proxy battle over the direction of the Democratic Party in San Francisco.

The details

Prop. D would levy taxes on companies where the CEO earns 100 times or more than the median employee income. The measure is intended to fill San Francisco's $650 million deficit and prevent layoffs of city workers. While supported by a supermajority of the Board of Supervisors, Wiener and Mayor Daniel Lurie have opposed the tax, arguing it could push businesses to leave the city. SEIU said Wiener's stance on the measure 'reveals who is standing with working people' and that supporting the tax 'should be an easy choice' for the city's next congressmember.

  • Prop. D will be on the June 2026 ballot in San Francisco.
  • SEIU California withdrew its endorsement of Wiener in April 2026.

The players

SEIU California

One of the most influential and wealthy labor unions in California, which has withdrawn its endorsement of Scott Wiener for Congress.

Scott Wiener

California state senator running for the San Francisco congressional seat being vacated by Nancy Pelosi.

Connie Chan

San Francisco supervisor who is now the sole SEIU California endorsee for the congressional seat.

Theresa Rutherford

President of SEIU Local 1021 and board member of SEIU California.

Daniel Lurie

Mayor of San Francisco, who has opposed Prop. D along with Wiener.

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What they’re saying

“A candidate's stance on the Overpaid CEO Act is more than just another policy choice — it reveals who is standing with working people in this moment as we fight the Trump Administration's attacks on our healthcare and our communities. We need elected leaders ready to fight — not equivocate.”

— Theresa Rutherford, President of SEIU Local 1021 and board member of SEIU California

“Downtown is still recovering from the pandemic, and I strongly support Mayor Lurie's economic recovery work. In Congress, I will fight for progressive taxation, ensuring the largest corporations pay their fair share, starting with reversing the Trump and Bush tax cuts and closing loopholes that enable corporate tax dodging.”

— Scott Wiener

What’s next

Prop. D will be voted on by San Francisco residents in the June 2026 election. The outcome of that measure and the congressional race could have significant implications for the city's budget and economic policies.

The takeaway

This political clash over the 'Overpaid CEO Tax' highlights the growing divide within the Democratic Party between moderates focused on business-friendly policies and progressives pushing for higher taxes on the wealthy to fund public services. The SEIU's withdrawal of support for Wiener shows that labor unions will hold politicians accountable on these key issues, even in a reliably Democratic city like San Francisco.