Scott Wiener

Scott Wiener
Name	Scott Wiener
Birth date	8 April 1970
Birth place	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Occupation	Politician, attorney, activist
Party	Democratic Party
Office	Member of the California State Senate
Term start	2016
Prior office	Member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors

Scott Wiener

Scott Wiener is an American politician and attorney who serves as a member of the California State Senate representing the 11th Senate District, based in San Francisco. A former member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Wiener is known for sponsoring high-profile legislation on housing, public health, and civil rights, and for his role in state and local policy debates. He has been active within the Democratic Party and engaged with numerous advocacy organizations and civic institutions.

Early life and education

Wiener was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in the Philadelphia metropolitan area before moving to San Francisco, California. He attended Georgetown University for undergraduate studies and earned a law degree from UC Berkeley School of Law. During his student years he was involved with community organizations and legal clinics associated with Georgetown Hoyas activities and the Boalt Hall clinical programs at UC Berkeley.

Legal and early career

After law school, Wiener worked as an attorney at firms and public-interest organizations in San Francisco. His early legal career included positions at municipal legal offices and nonprofit advocacy groups, providing counsel on housing, civil rights, and public health matters. He later served as staff counsel and advised officials in offices connected to the Mayor of San Francisco and other Bay Area public officials, before launching his own practice focused on municipal law and policy.

San Francisco Board of Supervisors

Wiener was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors representing District 8, which includes neighborhoods such as Castro District, Noe Valley, and Mission District. As a supervisor he chaired and participated in board committees addressing land use, public health, and transportation; he worked with entities including the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. He sponsored local ordinances on tenant protections, public safety, and homeless services, collaborating with stakeholder groups like Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, and local tenant unions.

California State Senate

In 2016 Wiener won election to the California State Senate, succeeding an incumbent and taking office in the legislature's progressive caucus. In Sacramento he has served on committees with jurisdiction over housing, health, and appropriations, working alongside legislators from districts including Los Angeles County, San Diego County, and the East Bay. He has collaborated with state agencies such as the California Department of Housing and Community Development and the California Department of Public Health to advance statewide initiatives.

Policy positions and legislation

Wiener has authored and sponsored legislation on housing, public health, LGBTQ+ rights, and technology regulation. Prominent bills include statewide measures to increase housing density and streamline zoning processes, initiatives to expand access to HIV prevention and sexual health services, and laws addressing short-term rentals and tenant protections. He has engaged with organizations like AIDS Healthcare Foundation and California Housing Partnership during policy debates, and faced opposition from interest groups including local neighborhood associations and some labor organizations. Wiener has also been active on civil rights issues involving LGBTQ+ rights and has supported criminal justice reform efforts overlapping with state prosecutors and advocacy groups such as Southern California ACLU affiliates.

Electoral history

Wiener first won election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in a municipal campaign characterized by endorsements from progressive leaders and local labor unions. In 2016 he was elected to the California State Senate in a competitive race against opponents endorsed by establishment figures and community organizations. Subsequent re-election campaigns saw continued support from statewide leaders including former and current California governors and prominent members of the California Democratic Party, as well as advocacy groups aligned with his policy priorities.

Personal life and public image

Wiener is openly gay and has been a visible figure in LGBT culture in San Francisco and national LGBTQ+ advocacy networks. He is married and resides in San Francisco. His public image combines a reputation as a policy-focused legislator with visibility in media outlets and community events; he has been profiled by local and national publications and has engaged with institutions such as GLAAD and regional bar associations. Wiener’s career has prompted both praise from progressive activists and criticism from opponents over specific policy choices, reflecting his role in high-profile debates on housing and health across California.

Category:Members of the California State Senate Category:People from Philadelphia Category:San Francisco politicians Category:LGBT state legislators in California