San Francisco voters will hear two high‑profile progressive endorsements as the city’s open congressional seat draws national attention. Climate activist and billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer announced on Twitter that he is voting for State Sen. Scott Wiener, praising the incumbent’s “tireless” work on climate policy and affordable‑cost initiatives for Californians.
Steyer’s endorsement could help Wiener broaden his appeal among progressive voters, especially those who have followed Steyer’s long‑standing support for environmental legislation. “Water is wet. Sky is blue. Billionaires for Wiener,” a spokesperson for Chan’s campaign, Ian Krager, responded with a tongue‑in‑cheek remark, while also highlighting Chan’s platform focused on lowering energy costs and utility reforms.
Robert Reich backs Connie Chan
Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich entered the endorsement arena on the same day, declaring his support for Supervisor Connie Chan. Reich, a prominent critic of wealth concentration, warned that “the concentration of wealth in America has become a concentration of political power,” adding that this divide is forcing many residents out of San Francisco.
Chan, who enjoys backing from the California Federation of Labor Unions and the San Francisco Labor Council, has made taxing the city’s billionaires a centerpiece of her campaign and is the sole candidate endorsing Proposition 40. Reich’s reputation as a policy scholar and his large social‑media following are expected to reinforce Chan’s message on economic fairness.
Both endorsements underscore the ideological split in the race. Wiener, a former city supervisor and current state senator, is known for his work on housing, public transit, and climate legislation. Chan, a city supervisor, emphasizes progressive taxation and labor rights, positioning herself as the candidate of working‑class San Franciscans.
The race to succeed Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has attracted attention beyond the city, with national progressive donors and former officials weighing in. While Steyer’s endorsement highlights Wiener’s environmental credentials, Reich’s support signals a broader coalition focused on economic equity.
Voters will see these endorsements reflected in campaign events and advertising over the coming weeks. Both candidates have pledged to continue addressing the city’s housing crisis, public safety, and infrastructure needs, while also navigating the broader debate over how to manage San Francisco’s high cost of living.
As the primary election approaches, San Franciscans are encouraged to review each candidate’s platform, attend local forums, and consider how the endorsements align with their own priorities for the district’s future representation in Congress.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
