Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s decision to step aside after nearly four decades in Congress kicks off a wide-open contest to replace her at a time when her home city of San Francisco is roiled in

On California Politics 360 this week, the aftershocks of Proposition 50.

Saikat Chakrabarti, 39, a software engineer and co-founder of the progressive organization Justice Democrats and president of New Consensus, announced his run against Pelosi in February. He has had a successful behind-the-scenes political campaign career, as well as in software engineering. He is a Harvard University graduate.

Nearly 40 years later, Pelosi will leave office as the most powerful woman in congressional history, one of the most powerful in American history, and surely the most skilled and accomplished congressional leader of her era. On Thursday, the 85-year-old former House Speaker announced that she would not seek re-election after 20 terms.

The 85-year-old Democratic leader didn't say why she isn't running for reelection. It comes as one lawmaker recently announced his bid for her seat.

"Nancy Pelosi has inspired generations. Her courage and conviction to San Francisco, California, and our nation has set the standard for what public service should be. Her impact on this nation is unmatched.

Nancy Pelosi’s daughter, Christine, is widely rumored to be contemplating a run for her mother’s San Francisco-based seat and would likely be a top contender if she were to jump into