[VT – Washington, D.C. November 26, 2025] With former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announcing her retirement, the congressional seat she long held in California’s 11th Congressional District will be open in the next election. Today, the Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders Rising & Empowering Political Action Committee (ASPIRE PAC) officially announced its endorsement of San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan for this seat.
Who is Connie Chan and which communities does she represent?
Connie Chan currently serves as the representative for District 1 on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, which includes:
Inner Richmond, Central Richmond, Outer Richmond, Lone Mountain, Golden Gate Park, Lincoln Park, University of San Francisco, Sea Cliff, and Presidio Terrace.
She previously worked as a city government public safety and communications liaison, focusing on Chinatown and the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, helping ensure neighborhood safety and making residents’ voices heard.
Her key policy priorities include:
- Affordable housing
- Supporting small businesses
- Protecting workers’ rights
- Helping low-income families make ends meet
Why does ASPIRE PAC support Connie Chan?
ASPIRE PAC Chair and Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland said the city “deserves its first Asian American member of Congress,” noting that Connie Chan brings proven leadership experience and a strong record of community service.
Strickland added:
“Connie Chan has spent her career working to protect the American Dream for every family—the same dream that brought her family to San Francisco. She has fought for the issues that matter most: affordable housing, thriving small businesses, workers’ rights, and family economic security.”
ASPIRE PAC highlighted that Chan’s work ethic, focus, and thoughtful leadership make her an ideal candidate for Congress.
What is ASPIRE PAC?
Founded in 2011, ASPIRE PAC is the political action committee of Democratic AANHPI members of Congress. The organization is committed to:
- Supporting candidates of AANHPI descent
- Supporting incumbents who represent large AANHPI communities
In the 2024 election cycle, ASPIRE PAC helped elect four new AANHPI Democrats to Congress.
Why this endorsement matters
Nancy Pelosi has represented San Francisco since 1987, making her one of the longest-serving and most influential members in U.S. history. Her retirement opens the 11th District seat for the first time in decades, giving residents the chance to choose a new voice in Congress.
ASPIRE PAC’s endorsement is seen as a major boost for Connie Chan’s campaign, signaling strong support from the national AANHPI political network and highlighting her as one of the key candidates in this high-profile race.
