Nancy Pelosi, the longtime California Democrat and former Speaker of the House, has announced her retirement from the US Congress. She confirmed she will not seek re-election when her current term ends in January 2027. Pelosi shared the news in a video message on Thursday. At 85 years old, her decision closes a career that began in 1987 when she was first elected to represent San Francisco. She swiftly rose through congressional ranks and made history as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House. Pelosi held that leadership position from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. In her message, Pelosi reflected on her contributions: "We have made history, we have made progress. We have always led the way, and now we must continue to do so by remaining full participants in our democracy, and fighting for the American ideals we hold dear." She also encouraged her home city, saying, "San Francisco, know your power."
The Speaker of the House is a Constitutionally mandated role. It stands next in line to the presidency after the vice president. In that capacity, Pelosi influenced key legislation and challenged presidents across her tenure in Capitol Hill.
She helped pass former President Barack Obama’s healthcare reform and played a key role in advancing bills on infrastructure and climate change under President Joe Biden. Pelosi also confronted Donald Trump directly during his presidency, famously tearing up his 2020 State of the Union speech after delivery.
Pelosi led two impeachment efforts against Trump. The first in 2019 concerned his dealings with Ukraine and accusations of pressuring that country to investigate Joe Biden. The second in 2021 related to Trump’s role in the Capitol riot on January 6. Both attempts failed as the Republican-controlled Senate acquitted Trump.
Trump criticized Pelosi upon news of her retirement. He called her “an evil woman” and a “tremendous liability for the country,” but said he was glad she was stepping down.
After Trump’s term ended, Pelosi worked closely with President Biden to pass significant legislation amid narrow Democratic majorities. This included Covid relief, bipartisan infrastructure bills, large environmental and social spending packages, and laws protecting gay marriage.
Pelosi stepped down as House Democratic leader in 2022, handing the role to Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Despite no longer holding formal leadership, she has continued to be a key political force. Recently, Pelosi helped push Proposition 50 in California, a state redistricting initiative aimed at benefiting Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections.
Nancy Pelosi’s retirement ends a remarkable run marked by historic milestones and major influence on US politics over nearly four decades. Her tenure shaped policy debates and party strategies in ways that will continue to be felt in the years ahead.
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