Pelosi Endorses Connie Chan for Congress in California's 11th District

In a significant political development ahead of California's June 2 primary, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has officially thrown her support behind San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan for the 11th Congressional District. This endorsement provides a considerable boost to Chan's campaign, positioning her favorably in what has become a crowded and competitive race. Pelosi, a prominent figure in Democratic politics, emphasized her deep understanding of the district and her confidence in Chan's abilities to serve in Congress.

Nancy Pelosi's endorsement was made public through a video shared across social media platforms, featuring both Pelosi and Chan. In her statement, Pelosi remarked, "I know and love this district, I know the Congress and I know Connie." She further urged constituents to join her in electing Chan, underscoring the importance of this race. Pelosi's backing is particularly impactful given her four decades of representation for San Francisco and her historic tenure as the only woman to serve as House Speaker.

Connie Chan, who has been a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors since 2021, launched her congressional campaign in November. Her campaign narrative has largely centered on her working-class origins and her established connections within the Democratic Party, including her association with Pelosi. Her launch video prominently featured a photograph with Pelosi, and Chan articulated her ambition to build upon the legacy of those who championed similar values before her. Her campaign website also showcases her alongside other influential California Democrats, such as former Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Adam Schiff, and Representative Judy Chu.

Despite this high-profile endorsement, Chan faces an uphill battle in terms of campaign funding. Federal Election Commission reports indicate that she lags behind state Senator Scott Wiener. By the end of March, Chan had raised over $457,000, with approximately $156,000 cash on hand. In contrast, Wiener had amassed more than $734,000 in the first quarter alone, holding a substantial $2.6 million in his campaign coffers. Additionally, Saikat Chakrabarti, former chief of staff to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, entered the race in February 2025, contributing over $360,000 and securing a candidate loan exceeding $4.8 million, further intensifying the competition.

The primary election in California, scheduled for June 2, operates under a top-two system, meaning the two candidates with the highest votes, regardless of party affiliation, will proceed to the November general election. This electoral structure adds another layer of complexity to the race, making every endorsement and financial contribution crucial for candidates vying for a spot on the general election ballot.

The endorsement from a political titan like Nancy Pelosi is a significant advantage for Connie Chan, providing her campaign with invaluable visibility and credibility in the crucial weeks leading up to the primary. While fundraising disparities remain a challenge, Pelosi's support could galvanize voters and volunteers, potentially altering the dynamics of this closely watched congressional race.