Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced that she will retire from Congress at the end of her current term, bringing to a close a nearly four-decade career that reshaped both the Democratic Party and the institution she led.
In a video message Thursday, Pelosi, 85, confirmed she would not seek re-election in 2026, saying, “I will not be seeking re-election to Congress… I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative.” The announcement featured scenes from San Francisco and highlighted her public service.
“It has been my greatest honor to represent the people of San Francisco,” Pelosi said, addressing constituents who first sent her to Washington in 1987. “We have made progress. We have always led the way, and now we must continue by remaining full participants in our democracy and fighting for the American ideals we hold dear.”
Pelosi’s decision marks the close of a transformational political era. Over the course of 38 years, she rose from a political organizer to become the first—and still only—woman to serve as Speaker, steering House Democrats through turbulent times with resilience and skill.
Her first speakership began in 2007 after Democrats reclaimed the House. She excelled as a vote counter, advancing President Obama’s domestic agenda, including the Affordable Care Act, and later worked with President Biden on infrastructure and climate bills. Biden called her “the most effective Speaker in the history of Congress.”
Pelosi’s leadership was characterized by fierce partisanship, marked by high-profile clashes with Donald Trump, including her tearing up his State of the Union address in 2020. She led two impeachment efforts against him, solidifying her reputation as a defender of constitutional order.
Even opponents acknowledged her legislative ability. Republicans depicted her as a liberal symbol, but Pelosi proved adept at navigating narrow majorities and brokering intra-party compromises. Her legendary ability to secure votes became a signature of her leadership.
After Democrats lost the House in 2022, Pelosi passed leadership to Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who praised her as “an icon of American democracy” and hailed her tenure as “iconic, legendary, historic, and transformational.”
Though no longer in leadership, Pelosi remained an active fundraiser and mentor, championing measures like California’s Proposition 50 to address gerrymandering—a project seen by some Democrats as her final act of party service.
Her departure will trigger a competitive primary in her district, with state Sen. Scott Wiener and former tech executive Saikat Chakrabarti already in the race—the most contested San Francisco congressional contest in decades.
Pelosi’s personal history is intertwined with American politics. Born in 1940 to a prominent political family in Baltimore, she learned the art of coalition-building at an early age. Arriving in Washington at 47, her determination defined her tenure as Speaker.
Her closing words to San Francisco reflected her conviction: “San Francisco, know your power.” With her retirement, Pelosi leaves a legacy of policy victories and discipline that will influence Congress for generations.
