Challenges to Pelosi part of broader movement to replace the Democratic Party's old guard

""The world is changing, the Democratic Party is changing, and it's time," Wiener said in an interview with The Times. "I know San Francisco, I have worked tirelessly to represent this community - delivering housing, health care, clean energy, LGBTQ and immigrant rights - and I have a fortitude and backbone to be able to deliver for San Francisco in Congress.""

"Wiener's announcement - which leaked in part last week - caught some political observers off guard, given Wiener had for years seemed resigned to run for Pelosi's seat only once she stepped aside. But it stunned few, given how squarely it fit within the broader political moment facing the Democratic Party. In recent years, a long-simmering reckoning over generational power has exploded into the political forefront as members of the party's old guard have increasingly been accused of holding on too long, and to their party's detriment."

State Sen. Scott Wiener, 55, formally announced a campaign for the San Francisco congressional seat long held by Rep. Nancy Pelosi, 85, who has not disclosed plans for 2026. Wiener framed his bid as reflecting generational change in the Democratic Party and highlighted accomplishments on housing, health care, clean energy, LGBTQ and immigrant rights. The announcement leaked and surprised some observers because Wiener appeared to have planned to wait for Pelosi to step aside. The campaign surfaces amid a broader Democratic reckoning over long-serving leaders, illustrated by recent controversies involving Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

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