London Breed Considers Congressional Run After Pelosi Retirement Announcement

San Francisco Mayor London Breed said she will “seriously consider” running for Congress in 2025, following House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi’s decision to step down after more than three decades in office.

Pelosi announced her retirement Thursday, saying that she would not seek reelection next year. The move opens a high-profile and historically Democratic seat representing much of San Francisco, a city she has represented in the House since 1987.

Breed acknowledged the growing speculation about who might run to succeed Pelosi and confirmed that she is weighing a potential bid. In a statement released Thursday evening, Breed called Pelosi “the most consequential legislator of our time” and thanked her for her service. “I will be taking the time to personally reflect and seriously consider what is next,” Breed said.

The announcement adds Breed’s name to a list of potential candidates expected to seek the open seat. Others widely mentioned include State Senator Scott Wiener and City Attorney David Chiu. Both have widespread recognition in the city and longstanding ties to Democratic Party infrastructure.

Breed, whose second full term as mayor ends in January 2025, has yet to declare whether she will seek reelection. A congressional run would shift her political trajectory from city leadership to federal representation at a moment when San Francisco faces continued scrutiny over public safety, housing policy, and economic recovery.

The race for Pelosi’s seat is expected to draw significant attention and funding. The city’s political establishment and Democratic power brokers are likely to play a heavy role in shaping the primary field ahead of the March 2025 election.

Pelosi, 84, said she plans to remain active in public life and will continue to support Democratic candidates. Her departure marks the end of an era in California and national politics. She is the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House and led the chamber through multiple presidential administrations, including two impeachments of Donald Trump and the passage of major legislation such as the Affordable Care Act.

The opening of her seat creates a rare opportunity in California’s 11th Congressional District, where the Democratic primary often determines the final outcome due to the party’s dominance in the area.

Breed’s potential entry into the race sets up a significant competition among local figures with overlapping political bases and long histories in civic governance.

A formal announcement from her or other leading contenders is expected in the coming weeks as the field takes shape.