S.F. Supervisor Scott Wiener to run for state Senate

S.F. Supervisor Scott Wiener to run for state Senate Supervisor Scott Wiener will announce he is running for state Senate Wednesday, setting the stage for an election still 1½ years away, but already generating intense speculation about what progressive candidate will run against him. A moderate Democrat who is one of the most prolific but divisive members of the Board of Supervisors, Wiener has championed increased funding for transportation, an expansion of the police force and — notoriously — a ban on public nudity. Democrat Kim is a former Green Party member who has championed affordable housing and comes from the ranks of the Asian political establishment. Ammiano is the standard-bearer of the city’s left, and has the benefit of widespread name recognition. In 1999, he famously mounted a write-in campaign for mayor that forced incumbent Willie Brown into a runoff. Another potential candidate is Supervisor David Campos, who lost a race for Assembly last year to fellow Supervisor David Chiu by a razor-thin margin. Campos had made a name for himself taking on Airbnb and advocating on behalf of the Mission District, including his controversial bid to temporarily halt the construction of market-rate condominiums in the neighborhood. In a text message, Ammiano said he would decide soon, and noted that polls are strong in his favor and that people he has contacted in Sacramento are enthusiastic about him running. A race between two supervisors — all of whom work in close quarters with offices on the same floor — could lead the board to take up more wedge issues that would highlight the supervisors’ differences. To the extent there has been disputes, such as on expanding the police force and the proposed building moratorium in the Mission, Wiener frequently clashes with Kim and Campos. Political consultant Jim Stearns, who has advised many progressive candidates, said Wiener has “divided the gay community” with his policies. “Jane Kim would have the benefit of the progressive voters, the lion’s share of the Asian community, and a strong story to tell to moderate Democratic women beyond the progressive base,” he said. In an interview, Wiener said he is most proud of his record championing funding for transportation, changing regulations to allow for more in-law units, and requiring new buildings to create infrastructure to use gray water to conserve water.