Nancy Pelosi’s Seat is Open. Meet Two Candidates Vying to Succeed Her.

This episode of Climate One explores the political and policy landscape surrounding the upcoming race to succeed Nancy Pelosi in California's 11th congressional district, a seat long held by one of the most influential climate advocates in U.S. history. Host Ariana Brocious moderates a conversation between two leading Democratic candidates: Shoikat Chakrabarty, president of New Consensus and architect of the Mission for America, and California State Senator Scott Weiner, a prolific legislator focused on housing, clean energy, and civil rights. The discussion centers on how to rebuild public trust in government, advance a transformative clean economy, and restore faith in the American Dream—particularly among disillusioned young voters. Both candidates emphasize that climate action must be tied to bold, systemic reforms in housing, infrastructure, and economic justice, arguing that only a 'mission-mode' government—modeled on New Deal and WWII mobilization—can deliver the scale of change needed. They also address the challenges of bipartisanship, the role of federal power in housing, and the urgent need to confront corruption and corporate influence in politics. Key themes include the necessity of large-scale public investment in housing and clean energy, the importance of political movements to reshape the Democratic Party, and the need to make essential services like healthcare, childcare, and education affordable through public provision. Chakrabarty calls for a radical reset, including reviving the Reconstruction Finance Corporation and enacting a wealth tax, while Weiner emphasizes pragmatic, bipartisan solutions on housing and clean energy. Both agree that the current political status quo is failing, and that only a bold, inclusive vision—centered on economic fairness and democratic renewal—can re-energize the electorate and deliver on climate and social justice. The episode ends on a note of cautious optimism, highlighting growing grassroots movements as a foundation for political transformation.