Scott Wiener announced plans to run for another term in the state Senate on Wednesday, signaling his hopes to succeed Nancy Pelosi in Congress are on ice for the time being.
The former San Francisco supervisor has served in the upper chamber of the state Legislature since 2016 and has authored 75 bills that have been signed into law, according to Wiener’s campaign. Much of his work has focused on housing, including a new bill that could dramatically ramp up the approval of building permits in the city next year.
“We’ve accomplished more than anyone thought possible on housing,” Wiener said in a statement, noting additional work to combat climate change, transportation issues, rising cases of mental illness and a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ hate. “And we’re not stopping. I will continue to fight on the issues that matter most to our community.”
Wiener is coming up on the end of his second four-year term in the state Senate. California legislators are allowed to serve a total of 12 years between both chambers of the Assembly and Senate. If reelected next year, Wiener would have the option of remaining in office until 2028. However, he could relinquish his seat and run for Congress if Pelosi decides to bow out at the end of her next expected term ending in 2026.
Earlier this spring, Wiener created an exploratory committee for the seat Pelosi has held in the House of Representatives since 1987. He raised more than $820,000 from 616 donors in the first half of the year.
Some speculated Pelosi might retire after giving up her speaker role in late 2022, but the Democratic stalwart announced plans last month to run for another term, leaving Wiener to wait his turn.
In July, Wiener told The Standard, “If she runs again next year, I’ll support her 1,000%, because I think she’s just truly amazing.”
Wiener’s district in the state Senate includes San Francisco, Daly City, Broadmoor, Colma and parts of South San Francisco. If reelected, he will also represent parts of San Bruno.