Christine Pelosi Announces 2028 Run for California State Senate
Christine Pelosi, daughter of longtime Rep. Nancy Pelosi, announced she will run for the California State Senate in 2028, opting not to pursue her mother’s congressional seat.
The announcement comes just days after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi confirmed she will retire at the end of her term in January 2027, bringing an end to a four-decade career in Washington. Christine, 59, had been floated as a potential successor to her mother in Congress but instead will aim to replace State Senator Scott Wiener, who is himself running for Nancy Pelosi’s seat.
“We need leaders who advance our San Francisco values and build power for the people,” Christine Pelosi said in a statement posted to her campaign site. “And that’s the kind of representative I will be in the California State Senate.”
Christine, an attorney and veteran political strategist, has long been active in California Democratic politics. She also worked in the Clinton administration and has been a prominent figure within the state’s party infrastructure.
Her announcement follows the passage of Proposition 50 last Tuesday, a measure expected to significantly alter California’s congressional maps to favor Democrats, especially as a response to redistricting maneuvers in Republican-led states like Texas.
Meanwhile, Nancy Pelosi addressed constituents in a video last week, thanking them for decades of support.
“For decades, I’ve cherished the privilege of representing our magnificent city in the United States Congress,” she said. “With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative.”
The race to replace Pelosi in Congress is already drawing interest from several prominent figures. Among them is Saikat Chakrabarti, the former chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who praised Pelosi’s legacy while positioning himself as a fresh face for the district.
“And whether you love her or disagree with her, you’ve gotta admit, she has shaped American politics for an entire generation,” Chakrabarti said. “And now, she’s doing something really rare in Washington – making room for the next generation.”
San Francisco County Supervisor Connie Chan is also being floated as a possible contender for Pelosi’s seat in what’s expected to be a crowded and high-profile primary in the deep-blue district.
Christine Pelosi enters her 2028 state Senate bid with name recognition, deep party ties, and a platform centered around progressive “San Francisco values” in one of California’s most liberal strongholds.