Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is throwing her support behind Connie Chan in the race to succeed her in Congress, signaling that Pelosi’s political influence may continue shaping San Francisco politics long after her own tenure ends.

Pelosi’s endorsement of Chan appears driven by a combination of ideological alignment, political calculation, and long-standing ties to organized labor and progressive Democratic politics in San Francisco.

According to Pelosi, Chan closely reflects the political culture and priorities of the city’s Democratic base.

Pelosi said Chan “understands San Francisco — our values, our diversity, our communities.”

Chan has built strong support among labor unions, an important factor for Pelosi, who has maintained deep relationships with organized labor throughout her political career. Chan’s coalition has focused heavily on working-class voters and union-backed groups across San Francisco.

Politically, Chan is widely viewed as part of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and closely associated with the labor-left faction within San Francisco politics.

Critics have characterized several of her positions as strongly left-wing, including support for a publicly owned city bank in San Francisco.

She has also backed aggressive tenant-organizing efforts and rent protections, including the city’s “Union-at-Home” ordinance, which allows renters to collectively negotiate with landlords.

Chan has additionally pushed for expanded government social programs, including free public transportation and broader food-assistance initiatives.

She opposed efforts to recall former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, even as the recall campaign gained significant support among many city voters.

Her broader campaign platform has focused heavily on labor unions, working families, immigrant protections, and increasing taxes on billionaires.

Chan has also rejected donations from corporate political action committees as well as contributions tied to industries including fossil fuels and pharmaceutical companies.

News coverage has generally portrayed Chan as a progressive Democrat aligned with San Francisco’s political left rather than with the party’s centrist faction.

Still, despite her progressive positions, Pelosi reportedly viewed Chan as a more workable and reliable governing partner than fellow candidate Saikat Chakrabarti.

Chakrabarti previously served as chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and co-founded the progressive group Justice Democrats. He entered the race positioning himself as an anti-establishment candidate sharply critical of Democratic leadership.

One Democratic insider told Newsmax that while Chan is unquestionably progressive, Pelosi allies see her as more pragmatic institutionally and easier to work with politically.

{Matzav.com}