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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — State Sen. Scott Wiener (D- San Francisco) has stepped down from the leadership of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus following controversial remarks he made regarding the situation in Gaza. Wiener, who is running for Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi’s congressional seat, announced Thursday that he would be resigning from his position as co-chair from the caucus.
The San Francisco Democrat said that he suggested stepping down when he entered the congressional race, but “was asked to stay to provide a continuity of leadership during a difficult time for the Jewish community.”
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However, following recent controversy surrounding Wiener and his initial unwillingness to label Israel’s actions in Gaza a “genocide,” he said he would be stepping down.
State Senator Scott Wiener during San Francisco Congressional District 11 Candidate Forum at The Academe at 198 in San Francisco on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. (Photo by Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
He also cited the increasing demands of his campaign, saying, “Now, my campaign is accelerating, and my recent statements on Israel and Gaza have led to significant controversy in the Jewish community.”
“The time to transition has arrived,” he added.
Wiener later changed his stance to call Israel’s actions in Gaza a genocide. He addressed that in the statement announcing his resignation.
“Since I stated my view that the Netanyahu government committed a genocide in Gaza, I have had many in-depth conversations with members of the Jewish community with a range of perspectives,” Wiener said. “While many in the community strongly disagree with my view, I am grateful for their willingness to engage with me and hear my perspective, showing once again the deep respect for difference in our community.”
Wiener has served in the Jewish Caucus leadership for five years and called it a “true honor.”
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Alex Baker
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