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.
Pelosi emphasized the importance of civic engagement, stating, 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.
As she addressed her hometown, she declared, San Francisco, know your power. Pelosi first assumed the role of House Speaker in 2007, serving until 2011, and reclaiming the position from 2019 to 2023.
The Speaker of the House is the only congressional position specifically described in the Constitution, ranking second in the presidential line of succession after the vice president. Throughout her terms, she played a critical role in advancing or blocking various presidential agendas.
Pelosi is credited with the passage of former President Barack Obama’s healthcare legislation and significant infrastructure and climate bills under President Joe Biden. She notably challenged Donald Trump during his presidency, infamously ripping up a copy of his State of the Union address.
In her tenure, she became a focal point for Republican opposition, viewed as a symbol of liberal coastal elites pushing expansive government policies.
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