Nancy Pelosi's daughter to run for Scott Wiener's California State Senate seat as he campaigns for her mom's congressional spot

Christine Pelosi, the daughter of outgoing House Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), is running for political office, not to succeed her mother, but for a spot in the California Senate currently held by state Senator Scott Wiener, who is running to replace Nancy Pelosi in the House.

In a campaign announcement, the younger Pelosi said, "I’m running to represent San Francisco in Sacramento, fighting for consumer rights, women’s rights, gun violence survivors, immigrants and our most vulnerable communities, against the threat we face." She added, "What do we do when our freedoms are under attack? We speak up, we fight back, and we organize power for the people, and that’s what I want to do for you."

Wiener’s term is not officially set to end until 2028. However, if he wins the race for Nancy Pelosi’s House seat in 2026, his state Senate seat will be open.

This would be Christine Pelosi’s first time in office if she wins, previously working as an attorney and Democrat Party activist, per the San Francisco Chronicle. It is presumed that Nancy Pelosi will back her daughter in the race, and Christine Pelosi would likely have access to her mother’s financing network that has been built over decades. Political consultant Jim Ross said, "Christine clears the field of the establishment left."

In announcing her decision not to seek reelection, Nancy Pelosi said, "I will not be seeking reelection to Congress. With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative." She touted "bringing home billions of dollars for" San Francisco's various infrastructure and environmental projects. She said the work is "not done," and urged those in the city to "know your power."

Wiener launched his bid for Nancy Pelosi’s seat in late October, saying, "It’s official: I’m running for Congress to represent San Francisco! I’ll fight Trump’s takeover, for our values, & for real progress. I’ve delivered on housing, healthcare, clean energy, and civil rights – and I’ll do it again. Let’s build the future our city & country deserve."