Washington: Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the US House of Representatives and one of the most influential figures in American politics, announced that she will not seek re-election in 2026, bringing to a close a congressional career spanning nearly forty years.
Pelosi, 85, announced in a video message posted on X, saying she looked forward to her final year in Congress with gratitude and a sense of fulfillment. The decision comes shortly after California voters approved Proposition 50, a state redistricting measure designed to favor Democrats in next year’s midterm elections.
First elected in 1987, Pelosi has been a defining force in American politics- a liberal powerhouse who clashed frequently and fiercely with Republicans. She presided over the House during two Trump impeachments and famously tore up his State of the Union address in 2020.
Thank you, San Francisco. pic.twitter.com/OP8ubeFzR6
— Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) November 6, 2025
Her departure marks the end of an era for the Democratic Party, which has relied on her sharp political instincts, fundraising prowess, and unyielding command over her caucus. Pelosi’s exit also underscores a generational shift within the party, as younger leaders take the stage following years of frustration over the grip of aging figures at the top.
Pelosi relinquished her leadership role in 2023, paving the way for Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York to become House Democratic leader. Jeffries praised her as an iconic and transformational figure who helped shape modern American politics.
Throughout her career, Pelosi was known for her relentless work ethic and ability to marshal votes, often racing through the Capitol in her signature heels to secure support for landmark legislation. Among her proudest achievements was helping President Barack Obama pass the Affordable Care Act in 2010, which she once described as her greatest accomplishment in Congress.
The greatest Speaker of all time.
Thank you for your service to the people of San Francisco and to our country, @SpeakerPelosi. pic.twitter.com/hQYGipjeVD
— Democrats (@TheDemocrats) November 6, 2025
Her tenure was not without personal cost. In 2022, her husband, Paul Pelosi, was brutally attacked in their San Francisco home by a man espousing extremist views.
As Pelosi prepares to leave Washington at the end of her 20th term, Democrats will lose not only a veteran lawmaker but also one of their most formidable fundraisers. Known for her discipline and directness, she once quipped that she had to raise “a million dollars a day” to keep her party competitive.
Pelosi’s long journey from a San Francisco congresswoman to the most powerful woman in American political history has reshaped the contours of leadership in the House. When she finally steps away in 2026, she will leave behind a legacy defined by determination, resilience, and a deep belief in the power of public service.
