London Breed Opts Against Congressional Bid for Pelosi's Vacant Seat

Former San Francisco Mayor London Breed has announced she will not pursue the congressional seat being vacated by House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, a decision she communicated directly to State Senator Scott Wiener. The announcement, made on Wednesday, ends speculation surrounding Breed's potential entry into the high-profile race for California's 11th Congressional District.Former San Francisco Mayor London Breed has announced she will not pursue the congressional seat being vacated by House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, a decision she communicated directly to State Senator Scott Wiener. The announcement, made on Wednesday, ends speculation surrounding Breed's potential entry into the high-profile race for California's 11th Congressional District.

Breed's decision follows Pelosi's announcement earlier this month that she would not seek re-election after nearly 40 years in Congress. This created an open field, prompting Breed to state she was "seriously considering" a run, aiming to continue her public service for San Francisco. Her potential candidacy was seen as a significant development in the nascent race.

In a public statement, Breed articulated her reasons for not running: > "After thoughtful consideration, I have decided not to pursue a run for Congress. This moment calls for unity, strength, and a commitment to lifting each other up, not creating more division." She emphasized her continued dedication to Democratic values and the people of San Francisco, stating, "That work has always been bigger than any one campaign or any one office, and I remain fully committed to it."

The news carries particular weight for State Senator Scott Wiener, who announced his candidacy for the seat in October, prior to Pelosi's retirement. Breed and Wiener have been known as moderate Democratic allies within San Francisco politics during Breed's tenure as mayor. Her decision clarifies the field for Wiener, though her potential endorsement remains unclear.

Breed served as San Francisco's mayor from 2018 until January 2025, when she lost her re-election bid to Daniel Lurie. With her withdrawal, the race for Pelosi's seat currently features Wiener and former political staffer Saikat Chakrabarti, who previously served as chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.