Wiener and Chan Ramp Up Outreach to Chinese American Voters
Candidates are visiting local events in the Richmond District to gain an edge in the race for Congress.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Elections
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Scott Wiener and Connie Chan are intensifying their outreach to Chinese American voters as they compete to succeed Nancy Pelosi in Congress. The race has centered on the Richmond District, where Wiener finished ahead of Chan by just 66 votes in the June primary.
Why it matters
The contest for this congressional seat is a high-stakes battle to fill the vacancy left by a historic representative. Candidates are now prioritizing engagement with the city's Chinese American population, which represents 22% of the total San Francisco electorate.
Scott Wiener led Connie Chan by 66 votes in the June primary, a slim margin within a population where Chinese American voters account for approximately 22% of residents. The definitive outcome of this congressional race remains to be seen.
The players
Scott Wiener
A candidate for Congress currently campaigning throughout the city.
Connie Chan
The current District 1 supervisor who has represented the area for nearly six years.
Nancy Pelosi
The long-serving representative whom both candidates are running to succeed.
The details
Scott Wiener is actively campaigning in the Richmond District, utilizing Cantonese-language phone banking and appearances at neighborhood events. Conversely, Connie Chan, who has represented District 1 for nearly six years, is leaning on her local track record as she seeks to bridge the gap from the primary. Both campaigns are employing Chinese-speaking volunteers to secure support ahead of the general election.
Timeline
2020: Connie Chan participated in a close reelection race.
June 2026: Wiener and Chan competed in the primary election.
October 2026: Reports surfaced regarding candidates targeting Chinese American voters.
Across the Bay
The current congressional race follows the pattern of intense local political competition established by the 2020 reelection race for District 1. This new contest mirrors that high-stakes environment as both campaigns scramble for decisive margins in key neighborhoods.
Residents in the Richmond District can expect to see increased campaign presence as both candidates continue to visit neighborhood events. Volunteers are currently reaching out via phone banks to discuss the candidates' platforms before voters head to the polls.
The takeaway
Voters should weigh the candidates' records on local issues like state-funded projects at Portsmouth Square Park against their stated priorities for the district. Follow the upcoming election results to see which campaign effectively captures the critical voting bloc.
Further reading
For more on the local race, visit San Francisco Elections.
Live Poll
Should a candidate's personal background matter more to voters than their legislative record?
