Nancy Pelosi may have served decades in Congress, but her political legacy could also include her recently endorsed candidate to replace her in the House.
The former House Speaker has backed Connie Chan, a San Francisco supervisor, for her seat based on a mix of political, ideological, and strategic reasons.
Pelosi said she sees Chan as aligned with San Francisco Democrat values.
Pelosi stated that Chan “understands San Francisco — our values, our diversity, our communities.”
Chan has strong labor union support. Pelosi has long been closely tied to organized labor, and Chan has built a coalition with unions and working-class constituencies in San Francisco.
Chan is generally viewed as a progressive Democrat aligned with the labor-left wing of San Francisco politics.
Some critics describe Chan’s positions as “very left-wing.”
Chan is often described in news coverage as a progressive or part of San Francisco’s left flank rather than a centrist Democrat.
Despite her progressive stance, Pelosi likely viewed her as a more effective governing ally than Saikat Chakrabarti, another candidate in the race.
Chakrabarti, the former chief of staff to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and co-founder of Justice Democrats, ran as an anti-establishment insurgent criticizing Democrat leadership.
An insider described Chan as a more institutionally pragmatic candidate who would be easier for Pelosi allies to collaborate with.
