Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to ever lead the U.S. House of Representatives, announced Thursday that she will retire from Congress at the end of her current term. Pelosi’s announcement marks the end of a four-decade tenure in Congress, representing San Francisco since her first election in 1987. The 85-year-old Democrat’s term officially concludes on January 3, 2027.
Pelosi said in a nearly six-minute video posted on X: “I want you, my fellow San Franciscans, to be the first to know. I will not be seeking reelection to Congress. With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative.”
In her message, Pelosi reflected on her deep ties to her district and her enduring optimism for its future. “As we go forward, my message to the city I love is this: San Francisco, know your power. We have made history. We have made progress. 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.”
Born Nancy Patricia D’Alesandro in Baltimore in 1940, Pelosi grew up immersed in politics. Her father, Thomas D’Alesandro Jr., served as both a congressman and mayor of Baltimore, while her brother later held the same mayoral office. After moving to California with her husband, Paul Pelosi, whom she met at Georgetown University, she became deeply involved in Democratic organizing, eventually chairing the state party before winning a special congressional election in 1987.
Pelosi became the first woman elected Speaker of the House in 2007, and the first in 70 years to reclaim the gavel after losing it (returning to the post in 2019). Over 19 years as the Democratic leader, Pelosi guided her party through defining moments, and was known for her ability to unite fractious Democrats and steer landmark legislation through razor-thin margins. Colleagues often cited her unmatched political skill and relentless discipline.
Pelosi’s decision comes just days after the passage of Proposition 50, a California redistricting initiative she championed alongside Gov. Gavin Newsom. The measure, which passed with 63% of the vote, could yield Democrats additional congressional seats in future elections.
Pelosi has also remained an influential figure behind the scenes — advising younger lawmakers, fundraising for Democrats, and helping guide major political decisions. Last year, she played a pivotal role in persuading President Joe Biden to withdraw from his reelection campaign after a damaging debate performance, helping pave the way for Vice President Kamala Harris’s nomination.
Democrats across the country praised Pelosi’s service and influence. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called her an “iconic, legendary, transformational figure,” while President Joe Biden hailed her as the “best Speaker of the House in American history,” adding, “when I was President, we worked together to grow our economy, create millions of jobs, and make historic investments in our nation’s future. She has devoted much of her life to this country, and America will always be grateful.”
Former President Barack Obama credited Pelosi for her central role in passing the Affordable Care Act, calling her a “master legislator.” Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton added, “There will be so many things to say about the legendary Nancy Pelosi’s transformational tenure in Congress—but for now, let’s start with ‘Thank you, Madam Speaker.’” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Pelosi “has inspired generations and set the standard for what public service should be.”
In her farewell message, Pelosi added that “American Democracy is majestic — but it is fragile. Many of us here have witnessed its fragility firsthand — tragically, in this chamber. And so, Democracy must be forever defended from forces that wish it harm.”
Editorial credit: Maxim Elramsisy / Shutterstock.com
