Wiener Targets Chan’s District as Chinese American Voters Become Key In Race For Congress

State Senator Scott Wiener is working to secure votes in the Richmond District, which Supervisor Connie Chan represents, while both candidates push to win over SF’s Chinese American voters in the race to succeed Nancy Pelosi in Congress.

State Senator Scott Wiener is targeting Richmond District voters who have disagreed with Supervisor Connie Chan on housing, transportation, public safety, and homelessness, as Mission Local reports. Wiener finished just 66 votes ahead of Chan in the district during the June primary, which also included a third candidate.

Chan, who has represented the Richmond-based District 1 for nearly six years, won reelection comfortably in 2024 after a close race in 2020. She also led in precincts across the west side in the June primary, particularly in the outer avenues.

“We’re confident that our constituents in District 1, in the Richmond, know our work,” Chan said, speaking to Mission Local.

According to Mission Local, Wiener has visited neighborhood events, organized Cantonese-language phone banking, and used campaign videos to criticize Chan’s record, while previously creating a bot mocking Chan — which many found demeaning and racist — before taking it down following backlash.

The campaigns also differ over street and park access, including the future of Sunset Dunes and the Great Highway. Chan has argued that her constituents value her local ties and her work on behalf of residents and small businesses.

The contest extends beyond the Richmond District. The Chronicle reported last week that both candidates are also making a major effort to win over San Francisco’s Chinese American voters, who account for about 22% of the city’s population. Chan’s district serves a large Chinese American community, as the Richmond is known as SF’s second Chinatown.

Chan, who immigrated from Taiwan at age 13, could become the first Chinese and Asian American member of Congress representing San Francisco if elected. Her support reportedly includes progressive voters, working-class residents, and some Republicans who consider representation a reason to back her.

Wiener, meanwhile, is highlighting his legislative record, including state funding for Chinese Hospital and Portsmouth Square Park, efforts to address anti-Asian hate, and expanded health care and transit benefits. Both campaigns have Chinese-speaking volunteers and are reaching out to voters in Cantonese.

The Chronicle notes that Chinese American voters differ on whether representation, policy, or a candidate’s record should carry more weight, with some supporting Chan because of her background and community ties, while others favoring Wiener’s legislative accomplishments.

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