Pelosi-backed candidate Connie Chan could shape US-China ties from Congress

Connie Chan, a San Francisco supervisor and progressive of Chinese ethnicity, is vying for a US Congressional seat with the endorsement of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. While local issues typically dominate US elections, Chan's candidacy could open avenues at the margins of US-China relations, analysts suggest.

Pelosi, a staunch China hawk and the first female speaker, is stepping down from her House seat in January after a career spanning decades. Her endorsement of Chan, who finished second in the primary for California's 11th Congressional District, signals a potential shift in how some engage with Beijing.

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Her endorsement of Connie Chan to succeed her in Congress could lead to opportunities at the margins of US-China relations, analysts said.

Chan's campaign offers the possibility of introducing a narrative distinct from Washington's current confrontational stance toward China. Observers believe her candidacy could help preserve vital local-level ties between the two countries, even as broader diplomatic relations remain strained. She will face State Senator Scott Wiener in the November run-off for the coveted House seat, which has been open for nearly 40 years.

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Chan’s candidacy opens up a range of possibilities, from introducing “a narrative different from Washington’s simple confrontation” to preserving vital local-level ties between the two countries.