The Facts

Congressman-elect Scott Wiener is backing Assemblymember Matt Haney to succeed him in California’s 11th Senate District, with a special election expected in early 2027 to fill the remaining two years of his term. Christine Pelosi, the daughter of retiring Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, is also running. George Kelly at The San Francisco Standard reports Wiener praised Haney’s record on housing and lowering costs for working families.

The Context

Wiener’s support predates this week: the Bay Area Reporter documented his endorsement back in June, when a special election still depended on Wiener winning his congressional race.

Haney has a concrete housing record. His Office to Housing Conversion Act, Assembly Bill 507, requires approval of qualifying conversions without discretionary hearings, subject to affordability, labor, and other conditions. Pelosi’s campaign emphasizes affordability, workers’ rights, and corporate accountability.

The GrowSF Take

Haney’s work removing barriers to new homes is a strong reason to take his candidacy seriously. We endorsed his Assembly reelection for that record and his work on downtown recovery and treatment access.

This race should turn on what candidates will deliver, not their surnames or political alliances. Both candidates should commit to faster housing approvals and lower costs to build.