Nancy Pelosi has announced her retirement from Congress, ending a decades-long career that saw the California Democrat become one of the most powerful figures in US politics. In a video message on Thursday, Pelosi said she will not be seeking re-election to Congress at the end of her term in January 2027. It marks the end of a storied political career: Pelosi, 85, became the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House and led her party in the lower chamber of Congress from 2003 until 2023. We have made history, we have made progress, Pelosi said in her message.
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. Pelosi added a personal message to her constituents: San Francisco, know your power.
Pelosi was first elected to Congress to represent San Francisco in 1987 at age 47, and quickly rose through the ranks. She was elected by her party to be speaker of the House in 2007, becoming the first woman to serve in that role. After serving until 2011, she returned to the speaker's chair from 2019 to 2023. The Speaker of the House is the only congressional position detailed in the US Constitution, and is next in line for the presidency after the vice president.
During her tenure, Pelosi played a critical role in advancing—or thwarting—the agendas of multiple presidents. Widely credited with managing the passage of former President Barack Obama's signature healthcare legislation, she also championed initiatives on infrastructure and climate change under President Joe Biden.
Pelosi became a significant opponent to Donald Trump during his presidency, known for her dramatic gesture of ripping up his State of the Union address. She led two impeachment efforts against him, first in 2019 over his dealings with Ukraine, and again in 2021 after the Capitol riot, both of which resulted in acquittals.
Following the announcement of her retirement, Trump commented that he was glad she's retiring and termed her a tremendous liability for the country.
Pelosi leaves behind a complex legacy, not only succeeding as a legislative leader but also deeply polarizing figures in American politics. She last served as the Democratic leader in the House before being succeeded by New York Representative Hakeem Jeffries in 2022.
As she prepares to exit, her influence continues, having recently played a critical role in California's Proposition 50, aimed at redistricting to benefit Democrats in upcoming elections.
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. Pelosi added a personal message to her constituents: San Francisco, know your power.
Pelosi was first elected to Congress to represent San Francisco in 1987 at age 47, and quickly rose through the ranks. She was elected by her party to be speaker of the House in 2007, becoming the first woman to serve in that role. After serving until 2011, she returned to the speaker's chair from 2019 to 2023. The Speaker of the House is the only congressional position detailed in the US Constitution, and is next in line for the presidency after the vice president.
During her tenure, Pelosi played a critical role in advancing—or thwarting—the agendas of multiple presidents. Widely credited with managing the passage of former President Barack Obama's signature healthcare legislation, she also championed initiatives on infrastructure and climate change under President Joe Biden.
Pelosi became a significant opponent to Donald Trump during his presidency, known for her dramatic gesture of ripping up his State of the Union address. She led two impeachment efforts against him, first in 2019 over his dealings with Ukraine, and again in 2021 after the Capitol riot, both of which resulted in acquittals.
Following the announcement of her retirement, Trump commented that he was glad she's retiring and termed her a tremendous liability for the country.
Pelosi leaves behind a complex legacy, not only succeeding as a legislative leader but also deeply polarizing figures in American politics. She last served as the Democratic leader in the House before being succeeded by New York Representative Hakeem Jeffries in 2022.
As she prepares to exit, her influence continues, having recently played a critical role in California's Proposition 50, aimed at redistricting to benefit Democrats in upcoming elections.
