Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the 85‑year‑old Democrat from California, announced Thursday that she will not run for reelection next year, bringing to a close a nearly four‑decade congressional career that made her the first woman Speaker of the House and, many say, the most powerful legislator in American politics.
In a video released to her San Francisco constituents, Pelosi said: “I will not be seeking reelection to Congress. With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your representative.” The video featured highlights of her career and a message to the city she loves. “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.”
The decision, while not wholly unexpected, reverberated across Washington and California as a generation of political leaders steps aside ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Pelosi’s departure sets off a succession battle back home and leaves open questions about who will fill her behind‑the‑scenes leadership role at the Capitol.
Pelosi’s legacy includes architecting the Affordable Care Act, leading the passage of Dodd‑Frank financial reforms, repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and shepherding major legislation under Presidents Obama and Biden. She also played a pivotal role in California’s redistricting effort, Proposition 50. A mother of five, Pelosi entered politics later in life and has long fended off calls to step aside by turning questions about her intentions into spirited rebuttals.
Her tenure was marked by high‑profile clashes with former President Donald Trump. In 2020 she famously tore up Trump’s State of the Union speech as he concluded his remarks. The House, under her leadership, impeached Trump twice — in 2019 and 2021 — though the Senate acquitted him both times. She also stood up the Jan. 6 special committee that produced a 1,000‑page report on the Capitol attack.
Personal hardships have punctuated her career. In 2022 an intruder broke into the Pelosi home, demanding “Where is Nancy?” and beating her husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer. Last year she suffered a hip fracture during a congressional visit to Europe.
Looking ahead, left‑wing newcomer Saikat Chakrabarti and state Sen. Scott Wiener are reported to be considering runs for her seat. Pelosi, who has raised more than $1 billion over her career, quietly helped orchestrate Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.
First elected in 1987, Pelosi has represented San Francisco for nearly 40 years. After stepping down as party leader in 2022, she retained the title of Speaker Emerita. Her announcement comes amid a broader wave of seasoned Democrats confronting challenges from newcomers eager to lead the party and confront President Trump.
Pelosi concluded her video: “I have truly loved serving as your voice in Congress. There has been no greater honor than to stand on the House floor and say, ‘I speak for the people of San Francisco.’”
