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Would-Be Pelosi Successors Debate Who’s More Progressive in San Francisco Congressional Race
The candidates argued over federal AI guardrails, with Chan backing a data center moratorium and Wiener citing the nation’s first AI safety law.
- On Thursday, State Senator Scott Wiener and San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan debated at KQED, marking their first general election clash for California District 11's congressional seat, vacant for nearly four decades.
- While both candidates reject President Donald Trump's suggestion that AI companies regulate themselves, Wiener touted his legislative record, whereas Chan called for a data center moratorium and described AI as "superintelligence."
- Wiener took the unusual step of apologizing onstage for his campaign's "terrible mistake" of launching an AI chatbot that mocked Chan, which she said reminded her of racism and sexism she has faced.
- Scott Shafer challenged Chan over the lack of housing construction in her Richmond district, while she accused Wiener of being "bankrolled" by tech executives, contrasting their competing endorsements.
- Both candidates called the Gaza crisis a "genocide," though critics have questioned Wiener's stance, and they agreed they would oppose sending American troops to Taiwan, highlighting alignment on major international concerns.
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Cal Matters+7 Reposted by 7 other sources
Would-be Pelosi successors debate who’s more progressive in San Francisco congressional race
Scott Wiener and Connie Chan clashed in their debate to replace Nancy Pelosi in Congress, sparring over AI, housing and labor support
·Sacramento, United States
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Chan, Wiener debate over AI and what San Francisco needs in D.C.
San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, right, during her debate with State Sen. Scott Wiener at KQED in San Francisco on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. The two Democrats are running for California’s 11th District, a seat Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi is leaving. The debate was co-hosted by KQED and the San Francisco Chronicle. Santiago Mejia/S.F. Chronicle.
·San Jose, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Left
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources lean Left
75% Left
L 75%
C 25%
Factuality
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