In a heartfelt farewell to her decades-long career, Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, has announced she will not seek re-election in 2026. Her departure marks the end of an era in American politics and the beginning of a new chapter for California’s political landscape.
Nancy Pelosi, one of the most influential figures in modern U.S. politics, confirmed her decision in a video message addressed to the people of San Francisco. Against a backdrop of the city’s iconic landmarks — from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Coit Tower — the 85-year-old congresswoman reflected on her journey, expressing gratitude to her constituents and promising to dedicate her final year in office to serving them with pride.
Pelosi’s announcement did not come as a surprise to many on Capitol Hill. Reports earlier in the week had already hinted that leading Democrats in California were preparing for the moment when the long-serving representative would step away from public office. Her statement simply made official what many had anticipated: that one of the Democratic Party’s most powerful and polarizing leaders was ready to pass the torch.
A heritage of guidance and impact
Throughout a professional journey spanning almost forty years, Pelosi emerged as a pivotal personality in the annals of American politics. She guided House Democrats for two decades, from 2002 until 2022, and held the position of Speaker on two separate occasions — initially from 2007 to 2011, and subsequently from 2019 to 2023. Her time in office was characterized by both significant achievements and intense political confrontations.
Pelosi worked closely with Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, playing a key role in major legislative achievements such as the Affordable Care Act and the American Rescue Plan. At the same time, she became a formidable opponent to Republican administrations, standing at the forefront of the opposition to George W. Bush’s policies and later leading efforts to hold Donald Trump accountable during his presidency.
Although she stepped down as Democratic leader three years ago, Pelosi continued serving as a member of Congress and was honored by her colleagues with the honorary title of “speaker emerita.” Her enduring presence in the House reflected both her political resilience and the deep respect she commanded among allies and adversaries alike.
The choice to withdraw
Pelosi had previously hinted that her decision about seeking another term would depend on the outcome of California’s Proposition 50, a measure tied to the state’s new congressional map designed to counter Republican redistricting maneuvers nationwide. Once the measure passed, Pelosi determined that the moment had arrived to make way for new leadership.
Her departure opens the door to what is expected to be one of the most competitive congressional races in San Francisco in nearly 40 years. Two Democratic contenders — state senator Scott Weiner and former tech executive Saikat Chakrabarti, a co-founder of the Justice Democrats — have already declared their candidacies. Pelosi’s announcement is likely to attract additional figures eager to claim her seat in one of the country’s most reliably liberal districts.
In her video message, Pelosi spoke directly to her constituents, urging them to continue participating actively in democracy. “San Francisco, know your power,” she said. “We have made history and progress together. Now it’s time to continue leading by remaining fully engaged and standing up for the ideals that define our nation.”
From Baltimore roots to national prominence
Pelosi’s story began far from the California coast. Born in Baltimore in 1940 into a family steeped in politics, she was exposed to public service from an early age. Her father, Thomas D’Alesandro Jr., served as both a U.S. congressman and the mayor of Baltimore, while her brother also held the same mayoral office years later.
Her political journey was shaped by those early experiences. After moving to San Francisco with her husband, Paul Pelosi, and raising five children, she entered the political scene, initially working behind the scenes within the California Democratic Party. In 1987, she ran in a special election to fill the seat of the late Representative Sala Burton — and won, beginning what would become one of the longest and most consequential congressional careers in history.
From her first days in Congress, Pelosi was recognized for her strategic skills and ability to navigate the complexities of legislative politics. She secured positions on influential committees, including Appropriations and Intelligence, gaining insight into budgetary and national security issues that would later strengthen her leadership credentials.
Shattering obstacles and forging a legacy
Pelosi’s ascent to leadership was marked by persistence and political acumen. In 2001, she won a tightly contested race for House Minority Whip, defeating Maryland Representative Steny Hoyer, an old colleague from their early Capitol Hill days. Her victory made her the highest-ranking woman ever in Congress at the time.
A mere twelve months subsequent to the Democratic party’s setback in the mid-term elections, Pelosi secured the position of House Minority Leader through a conclusive ballot, solidifying her role as the leader of the Democratic faction. Her approach to leadership, marked by rigor, diplomacy, and astute planning, was instrumental in bringing her party together during periods of significant political unrest.
In 2007, Pelosi achieved what many had thought impossible: she became the first woman in U.S. history to hold the position of Speaker of the House. The moment symbolized not only personal triumph but also a breakthrough for women in American politics. Her gavel signaled a new era of representation, one that inspired generations of female leaders to pursue public office.
Throughout her tenure as Speaker, Pelosi guided her congressional group through significant legislative triumphs and intense political confrontations. She supervised the enactment of extensive reforms during President Obama’s administration, such as the Affordable Care Act, and subsequently managed two impeachment processes targeting President Trump. Her renown for upholding order within her party garnered her both praise and censure in equal parts.
A lasting impact on American politics
Pelosi’s influence extended far beyond legislative chambers. She became a symbol of Democratic resilience, a prolific fundraiser, and a key figure in shaping the party’s national agenda. Her tenure reflected both her mastery of congressional procedure and her ability to adapt to the shifting tides of American politics.
Throughout her career, she faced intense opposition from conservatives who viewed her as emblematic of liberal San Francisco politics, while progressives sometimes pressed her to embrace bolder reforms. Yet, her longevity and effectiveness proved her unmatched skill in balancing competing forces within her party.
Even as she prepares to step away, Pelosi’s impact remains undeniable. Her leadership paved the way for a new generation of women in politics and redefined the role of Speaker of the House as both a policymaker and a political strategist.
Her departure also marks a moment of reflection for Democrats nationwide. As the party looks toward the future, Pelosi’s legacy serves as both a foundation and a challenge — a reminder of what disciplined leadership, strategic negotiation, and unwavering conviction can achieve in the face of division.
As she closes her long career in Congress, Pelosi leaves behind not only a political legacy but a personal one rooted in family, faith, and the belief that progress is a shared responsibility. Her decision not to seek re-election in 2026 ends a defining chapter in American governance — one written by a woman who, through decades of change, never stopped believing in the power of public service.
Nancy Pelosi’s farewell is not just the conclusion of a political journey but a testament to endurance, leadership, and the enduring spirit of democracy that she helped shape for generations to come.
