CA-11: Scott Wiener Takes First Official Steps Toward a Run For Congress

[RandySF]

State Senator and former SF Supervisor Scott Wiener is making moves in preparation to run for Nancy Pelosi's House seat next year, assuming she plans to retire, which she has not said she will.

Pelosi announced in November that she was stepping down as Democratic leader in the House, following the mid-term elections in which the party lost control of the House, though she said she would remain in her role as a rank-and-file member of the chamber.

While she said she would not seek reelection as House Minority Leader, she said, "there is no greater honor than speaking on behalf of the people of San Francisco."

But the writing is on the wall, as her colleague in Senate Dianne Feinstein has announced her intention to retire after next year — though, at 82, Pelosi is still seven years younger than Feinstein. While Pelosi may stil have some fight left in her, it has to have gotten exhausting being vilified by right-wing mobs for years, and having her home broken into last fall and her husband brutally attacked (allegedly) by a conspiracy-deluded zealot.

This week, Scott Wiener launched an exploratory committee and fundraising drive for a House run, confirming what has long been rumored to be his intention to claim Pelosi's seat when the time comes.




https://sfist.com/2023/03/03/scott-wiener-takes-first-official-steps-toward-a-run-for-congress/

[padah513]

1. I get that campaigning is a 24/7 thing theses days, but I don't like the way this looks

Nancy has been good to this party for years and anyone thinking about running for her seat should keep mum and wait until she announces her plans first. At a minimum she deserves that much respect. I felt the same way about Feinstein's seat. Let incumbents announce first then go for their seats with all the gusto you can muster. Doing it before the fact is not only disrespectful, but it gives off a backstabber vibe. Worse yet, it makes you look desperate. Just my opinion of course.

[RandySF]

2. This seat has been occupied for nearly forty years.

SF politicos are dying for a shot.

[padah513]

3. I don't have a problem with anyone running for anyone's seat

I just feel that she probably more than anyone deserves to be able to announce her intentions first without feeling like the wolves are at the door trying to force her out

[Sympthsical]

5. Her daughter is widely expected to run

It's been written about extensively in local media about who's doing what behind the scenes in preparation for Pelosi's retirement. Lots of trying to line mom's friends up to support the run.

Wiener is no doubt doing what he feels best to counter that. If he waits too long, it might be over.

It'll be interesting, because Wiener is very highly respected locally, including having a close relationship with the mayor.

It'd be a very interesting Establishment vs. Grass Roots primary, should it shake out that way.

[Sympthsical]

4. I'd prefer this to a dynastic hand-off

He's done a lot of amazing local work since arriving on the scene. I've met him a few times very in passing - friends of friends of friends sort of thing. He seems nice.