Scott Wiener and Connie Chan clash over AI regulation in San Francisco debate

Democratic candidates Scott Wiener and Connie Chan clashed during their first general election debate for a San Francisco congressional seat, a race to succeed Nancy Pelosi. A central point of contention was the regulation of artificial intelligence.

Wiener, a state senator, highlighted his role in passing the nation’s first AI safety law and argued for continued federal guardrails. Chan, a San Francisco supervisor, criticized his legislative record as “watered-down” and proposed more aggressive measures, including a moratorium on new data centers.

The debate also marked a shift in campaign dynamics. While Nancy Pelosi has endorsed and heavily campaigned for Chan, Chan notably did not mention Pelosi during the televised event, stating a desire to focus on her own policy positions rather than her relationship with the former Speaker.