Scott Wiener
California State Senator representing San Francisco, known for progressive housing, transportation, and LGBTQ+ rights legislation
Scott Wiener is a Democratic member of the California State Senate representing District 11, which encompasses San Francisco and northern San Mateo County. First elected to the State Senate in 2016, Wiener previously served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 2011 to 2016. He resides in San Francisco's Castro District and has become one of California's most prominent progressive legislators, particularly on issues related to housing policy, urban development, and civil rights.
As a state senator, Wiener has established himself as a leading voice on California's housing crisis, authoring numerous bills aimed at increasing housing production and addressing homelessness. His legislative portfolio includes landmark efforts to streamline housing development, reform zoning laws, and expand tenant protections. He has also been instrumental in advancing LGBTQ+ rights legislation, mental health reform, and climate change initiatives throughout California.
Wiener's legislative approach often focuses on urban policy challenges facing California's major metropolitan areas. He has championed bills to improve public transportation infrastructure, expand bike lanes and pedestrian safety measures, and modernize land-use regulations. His work on Senate Bill 50, which sought to increase housing density near transit corridors, generated significant statewide debate about California's approach to urban planning and development.
Throughout his tenure in the State Senate, Wiener has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform and drug policy modernization. He has authored legislation to decriminalize certain offenses, expand access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, and reform California's approach to public safety. His positions have sometimes placed him at the center of contentious policy debates within California politics.
Wiener's legislative record also includes significant work on technology policy, privacy rights, and consumer protection. He has introduced bills addressing data privacy, artificial intelligence regulation, and the responsibilities of technology companies operating in California. His district's proximity to Silicon Valley has informed his approach to balancing innovation with appropriate regulatory oversight.
