San Francisco voters in California’s 11th congressional district will hear directly from the two leading candidates on how they would prioritize federal funding for the city’s most pressing infrastructure needs. The “Meet the Candidates” series asked each hopeful to name their top three projects in 100 words or less.
Connie Chan’s priorities
Supervisor Connie Chan, a longtime resident who grew up in the city, emphasized resilience, connectivity and emergency preparedness. Her three focal points are:
- Seawall and waterfront resilience: Strengthen the Embarcadero and adjacent infrastructure to protect against flooding, sea‑level rise and other climate threats.
- Downtown rail extension and subway expansion: Complete the link between Caltrain and the Salesforce Transit Center and move forward with the Geary/19th Avenue Subway to bring high‑capacity rail to the city’s west side.
- Citywide emergency water and electrical upgrades: Modernize aging water and power systems to ensure reliable service and adequate water pressure for firefighting during emergencies.
Chan, 47, noted that while a junior member of Congress may not command the same level of federal dollars that former Speaker Nancy Pelosi secured, seniority will eventually allow her to bring significant resources to these projects.
Scott Wiener’s priorities
State Senator Scott Wiener, also a homeowner and longtime San Franciscan, offered a complementary but distinct set of projects:
- Raising the Embarcadero: Elevate the waterfront and protect the Muni and BART tunnels from sea‑level rise.
- Downtown Caltrain and high‑speed rail extension: Extend Caltrain service through the downtown corridor and integrate it with future high‑speed rail plans.
- Two subway extensions: Extend the Central Subway north to Fisherman’s Wharf and build a new subway line down Geary Boulevard to Ocean Beach.
Wiener, 56, highlighted the importance of linking the city’s transit network to regional and national rail systems, arguing that such connectivity will spur economic growth and improve quality of life for residents.
Context and endorsements
Both candidates have secured endorsements from prominent local and national figures. Chan is backed by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator Adam Schiff, Congressman Ro Khanna and several labor organizations. Wiener’s endorsements include the California Democratic Party, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Sierra Club and local housing and transportation advocacy groups.
Historically, San Francisco’s congressional delegation has attracted substantial federal investment. Pelosi’s tenure saw more than $700 million directed to the Presidio and nearly $1 billion for the Central Subway. While a new representative may start with less seniority, both Chan and Wiener argue that their infrastructure agendas will position the city to receive future federal support.
What voters should consider
Voters in the CA‑11 district will need to weigh each candidate’s experience, policy focus and ability to navigate the federal appropriations process. Chan brings a city‑level perspective as a district supervisor, while Wiener offers state‑legislative experience and a track record on transportation legislation.
Both candidates stress the urgency of addressing climate‑related risks to the waterfront, improving transit connectivity, and modernizing essential services. Their proposals reflect a shared belief that robust infrastructure is foundational to San Francisco’s economic vitality and public safety.
How to stay informed
Residents can learn more about each candidate’s platform by visiting the Mission Local article linked in the original series. Voter registration remains open through the city’s official website, and upcoming town‑hall meetings will provide additional opportunities for constituents to ask questions directly.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
