Scott Wiener claims Pelosi’s San Francisco seat in US midterms after all-Democratic race

Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener declared victory Wednesday in the midterm race to succeed U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi in San Francisco. Wiener had 55.5% of the vote to opponent Connie Chan's 44.5% with 57% of ballots counted. Wiener becomes the first openly LGBTQ member to represent San Francisco in Congress.

Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener declared victory Wednesday in the midterm race to succeed U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who has represented San Francisco since 1987. As of Wednesday, the Associated Press reported that Wiener had 55.5% of the vote compared with 44.5% for his opponent, San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, who has conceded, with 57% of ballots counted. Wiener, who is gay, called his victory 'historic' as he becomes the first openly LGBTQ member of the community to represent San Francisco and any part of Northern California. His victory statement focused on affordable housing, universal health care, and clean energy. Although Wiener's statement did not mention Israel, the country became a central topic during the race. Both candidates accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza over the last three years. Wiener, a self-proclaimed 'lefty Jew,' opposes offensive weapons sales to an Israeli government not committed to peace, but supports defensive systems. Chan supported a full arms embargo and said Palestinian refugees should be allowed to return to areas within Israel. Wiener had initially declined to say whether he believed Israel had committed genocide in Gaza during a January debate, before reversing course days later. His accusation sparked backlash from major Jewish institutions and cost him his leadership role in the state legislature's Jewish caucus. Wiener was backed by J Street, the liberal pro-Israel advocacy group. Chan was supported by Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow, and received an endorsement from Pelosi.