California Senator Scott Wiener, a top Democratic contender, stepped down as co-chair of the state Legislative Jewish Caucus after initially avoiding the term "genocide" in Gaza, sparking backlash.

California state Senator Scott Wiener, a leading candidate to succeed Nancy Pelosi in Congress, is drawing national attention for his progressive policies on climate, housing, and LGBTQ+ rights, including a first-in-the-nation law requiring corporate climate disclosures and a ban on face coverings for law enforcement. His shifting public stance on the war in Gaza—initially avoiding the term “genocide” before later using it—sparked backlash from pro-Israel groups and led to his stepping down as co-chair of the state Legislative Jewish Caucus. Despite criticism over some housing policies and political controversies, Wiener remains a top contender for the Democratic nomination, reflecting broader Democratic Party tensions over foreign policy, social justice, and pragmatic governance.