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Two Democratic candidates running in the general election for California's 11th Congressional District take opposing sides on housing policy


Connie Chan (D) and Scott Wiener (D) are running in the general election for California's 11th Congressional District on Nov. 3, 2026. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D), who was first elected in 1987did not run for re-election.

California's top-two primary system allows two candidates from the same party to advance to the general election. As a result, this election is one of nine congressional general elections in the state this year featuring two candidates from the same party. Eight are between Democrats, and one is between Republicans.

Although both candidates are Democrats, they represent different ideologies within the party. According to Politico'sDustin Gardiner, Weiner is running as a more moderate candidate, and Chan as a more progressive one. Wiener received 40.7% of the vote in the 12-candidate primary, and Chan received 29.7%.

The differences between the candidates also show up in their stances on housing policy — an issue both have campaigned on in this election. According to Axios San Francisco's Nadia Lopez, "Wiener often argues for building more housing and embracing politically difficult compromises to deliver results. Chan has frequently emphasized community input and protecting residents from the unintended consequences of rapid change."

Chan was first elected to represent District 1 on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 2020. She previously worked in the city government, including as a staffer for then-San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris.

Chan is focusing her campaign on affordability issues. In her Candidate Connection survey response, she said, "I know how families are struggling to pay for every day costs. I'll work to create housing our working families can afford, push to lower the cost of health care, education and child care and take on the big corporations that drive up prices."

Pelosi, U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Saikat Chakrabarti (D) endorsed Chan. Chakrabarti came in third with 17.9% of the vote in the primary.

Wiener was first elected to represent District 11 in the California Senate in 2016. He previously represented District 8 on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 2011 to 2016. Wiener's professional experience includes working as an attorney.

Wiener is focusing his campaign on his legislative experience. His campaign website said, "As a State Senator, member of the Board of Supervisors, Deputy City Attorney, and longtime community leader, he has championed progressive policies – including authoring and passing more than 100 state laws – to improve affordability and make San Franciscans safer, happier, healthier, and more secure."

California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D), San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, and the California Democratic Party endorsed Wiener.

As of July 14, 2026, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter and Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rated the general election as Solid DemocraticLarry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it Safe Democratic.