State Senator Scott Wiener's Use of 'Fascist' Label Draws Criticism Amid Congressional Race

California State Senator Scott Wiener, a prominent San Francisco Democrat preparing a bid for Representative Nancy Pelosi's congressional seat, is facing scrutiny over his frequent use of inflammatory labels, including "fascist," against political opponents. Conservative commentator Richie Greenberg recently published an "exposé" accusing Wiener of consistently employing terms like "Nazi, fascist, and white supremacist" to silence dissent. This comes as Wiener positions himself for a potential high-profile move to the U.S. Capitol.

Senator Wiener has publicly used strong language in political discourse. In a recent social media post, he stated, "If you don’t want to be called a fascist, stop being a fascist," a comment interpreted by some conservative outlets, including Townhall.com, as labeling conservatives with the term. Additionally, the Los Angeles Times reported that Wiener referred to immigration raids in California as "police state fascism" and called Vice President JD Vance "a truly vile person" following a social media exchange.

Wiener's political career has been marked by his advocacy for progressive policies, particularly in housing density and LGBTQ+ rights. His legislative efforts have often drawn sharp criticism from conservative figures, who in turn have accused him of being overly aggressive in his rhetoric. The sf.gazetteer.co highlighted Wiener's view that attacks against him, especially concerning sex crime legislation, originate from "right-wing extremists" who "get cachet from attacking and demonizing LGBTQ people."

Richie Greenberg, the author of the critical tweet and "exposé," is a San Francisco-based attorney and political commentator known for his conservative viewpoints. His online platform frequently criticizes progressive policies and politicians in California. Greenberg's history includes running for public office in San Francisco and consistently scrutinizing the actions and statements of figures like Senator Wiener, indicating a clear ideological opposition.

As Senator Wiener reportedly prepares to formally announce his candidacy for Pelosi's seat, the debate over his political style and the labels he employs is likely to intensify. His campaign for the congressional seat, long held by the influential Pelosi, represents a significant political development in California, drawing national attention to his legislative record and public persona.