London Breed Weighs Run for Pelosi’s Soon-to-Be Vacant House Seat

Former San Francisco Mayor London Breed says she is considering a run for Congress following House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi’s announcement that she will not seek reelection in 2026. Pelosi’s decision marks the end of a decades-long political career in Washington and opens a high-profile House seat representing California’s 11th District.

In a statement Thursday, Breed said she will “seriously consider” entering the race but offered no timeline for a decision. Her comment follows Pelosi’s formal retirement announcement earlier the same day. Breed called Pelosi “a historic leader” and praised her for breaking political barriers and advocating for San Francisco’s interests in Congress.

Breed, who served as mayor from 2018 to 2024, had not previously signaled interest in seeking federal office. Her administration focused on housing, public safety, and pandemic response but faced growing public scrutiny in recent years over homelessness and drug policy. Breed lost her reelection bid in March 2024 to Supervisor Ahsha Safaí.

The decision to potentially pursue Pelosi’s seat would place Breed among other likely contenders expected to emerge in coming months. Pelosi, 86, has represented San Francisco in Congress since 1987 and served two terms as Speaker of the House. She is widely regarded as one of the most powerful figures in Democratic Party history.

The 11th District, which covers most of San Francisco, is a heavily Democratic stronghold. The next representative will likely play a key role in shaping national policy while also addressing the city’s complex local issues. Pelosi’s departure is expected to trigger a heavily contested primary in a field likely to include state and local Democrats with deep political ties.

Breed’s entry could significantly alter the landscape. As San Francisco’s first Black female mayor and a prominent citywide figure, she would enter with high name recognition and institutional support. However, critics may revisit her mayoral record, especially her approval ratings in the wake of a wave of progressive activism and voter frustration during her final year in office.

Other potential candidates have yet to announce. State Senator Scott Wiener, who has represented San Francisco in the State Senate since 2016, is frequently mentioned as a possible contender. Former City Attorney David Chiu and Assemblymember Phil Ting have also been floated as possible entrants.

Pelosi has not endorsed a successor. In her announcement, she said it was time for a “new generation” to lead and expressed confidence in San Francisco’s future leadership. Her term ends in January 2027. The primary for the seat is expected to take place in March 2026, followed by the general election in November.

Breed’s potential candidacy would keep her in the public spotlight less than two years after her mayoral exit. It remains unclear how voters will respond to her return to the political arena, especially in a federal race requiring broader appeal.

As the field forms, Democrats across the city are preparing for a rare open contest in what has historically been a safely held seat. Pelosi’s departure may realign local power structures and shift long-standing alliances. For now, all eyes remain on who will step forward to make a formal bid.