Nancy Pelosi Announces Retirement from Congress After 40-Year Career
On November 6, 2025, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 85, declared she will not seek reelection in 2026 and will retire at the end of her current term in early 2027, concluding nearly four decades representing California’s 12th Congressional District in San Francisco. In a heartfelt six-minute video message framed as a “Dear San Francisco” letter, Pelosi reflected on her trailblazing journey, urging constituents to “know your power” and continue leading on issues like housing, environmental justice, and innovation.
Key Highlights from the Announcement
- Career Milestones: Elected in a 1987 special election at age 47, Pelosi shattered barriers as the first woman Speaker of the House (2007–2011 and 2019–2023), the first Californian, and the first Italian-American in the role. She orchestrated major Democratic victories, including the Affordable Care Act in 2010, impeachments of Donald Trump in 2019 and 2021, and key Biden-era legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Personal Reflections: Pelosi credited her San Francisco roots, from labor unions and tech innovators to LGBTQ+ advocates, for shaping her advocacy on AIDS funding, women’s rights, and climate action. She emphasized, “There has been no greater honor for me than to stand on the House floor and say, ‘I speak for the people of San Francisco.’”
- Timing and Context: This follows her 2023 decision to step down from Democratic leadership after 20 years, amid a generational shift in the party. Pelosi remains a rank-and-file member for the rest of her term, focusing on ongoing fights against Trump, whom she recently called a “vile creature.”
Reactions and Implications
- Democratic Praise: Colleagues hailed her as “the most consequential speaker ever,” with tributes from figures like Hillary Clinton (“Thank you, Madam Speaker”) and Hakeem Jeffries, who supported her decision. Her exit opens her safe Democratic seat, drawing early challengers like state Sen. Scott Wiener and former AOC aide Saikat Chakrabarti, signaling potential progressive vs. establishment battles.
- Republican Response: President Trump celebrated on Fox News, calling her retirement “a great thing for America” and labeling her “a savage.” Social media echoed this glee among MAGA supporters, with posts like “Ding Dong the wicked witch is retiring!” and accusations of insider trading.
- Broader Impact: Pelosi’s departure marks the end of an era for women in politics and Democratic strategy, but her influence lingers—she backed Kamala Harris’s 2024 run and redistricting efforts adding Democratic seats in California. As she noted, “We have made history. We have always led the way. And now we must continue to do so.”