Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026. The decision concludes nearly four decades of service in Congress and closes a defining chapter in Democratic Party leadership.
Pelosi, 85, revealed her plans in a public video address, confirming that she will serve out her current term but will not appear on the ballot next year. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of San Francisco,” she said, urging her constituents to remain engaged in the democratic process and continue advancing the values she has long championed.
Elected to represent San Francisco’s congressional district in 1987, Pelosi made history as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, holding the gavel during two separate tenures. Over the course of her career, she became one of the most consequential legislative leaders in modern American politics, steering landmark measures such as the Affordable Care Act, the Dodd-Frank financial reforms, and multiple pandemic-era relief packages.
Pelosi’s decision to step aside had been widely anticipated in recent weeks, particularly as she delayed discussing her political future until after key voting in California’s Proposition 50, a state redistricting measure she supported. Her retirement underscores a broader generational transition taking place in Washington, as senior lawmakers of both parties yield the stage to younger political figures seeking leadership roles.
Her departure sets up a competitive race for one of the most high-profile Democratic seats in the country and will likely reshape the internal dynamics of the House Democratic caucus. For many in the party, Pelosi’s exit represents both the close of a transformative era and an opportunity for renewal.
Throughout her career, Pelosi was known for her strategic command of the House, her ability to unify a fractious caucus, and her resilience through years of political upheaval. Her leadership helped guide the party through pivotal moments, from the George W. Bush administration’s war votes to the tumultuous Trump presidency and the Biden administration’s legislative battles.
As Pelosi prepares to step away from electoral politics, colleagues across the political spectrum are already reflecting on her enduring impact on Congress and the nation. Her influence — both as a legislative tactician and as a trailblazer for women in government — will remain a defining feature of her legacy long after she leaves office.
Nancy Pelosi’s announcement not only concludes one of the most storied careers in congressional history but also signals the beginning of a new era for Democrats seeking to define the party’s future beyond her formidable shadow.
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