Pelosi Bows Out: First Female US House Speaker to Retire After Four Decades in Congress

Nancy Pelosi, one of the most influential figures in American politics and the first woman to serve as Speaker of the US House of Representatives, has announced she will not seek re-election, marking the end of a 38-year congressional career.

The 85-year-old Democratic lawmaker, who has represented California’s San Francisco district since 1987, made the announcement in a video message to her constituents on Thursday.

“I will not be seeking reelection to Congress,” Pelosi said, expressing gratitude to her supporters and pledging to serve her final year “with a grateful heart.”

Her current term is set to end in January 2027.

A Historic Legacy and Defining Career

Pelosi’s retirement closes a remarkable chapter in US politics. She was the first woman to lead a major political party in Congress and served twice as Speaker, from 2007 to 2011, and again from 2019 to 2023, placing her second in line to the presidency after the vice president.

Known for her firm leadership and political tact, Pelosi played a central role in advancing major Democratic legislation, including President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act and President Joe Biden’s infrastructure bill.

Her ability to unify a divided caucus made her a formidable negotiator, though it also made her a frequent target of Republican criticism. Former President Donald Trump often mocked her as “crazy Nancy,” to which Pelosi famously responded by tearing up his State of the Union address on live television in 2020, an image that became symbolic of their rivalry.

Rumors of her retirement had circulated in recent weeks, but Pelosi had avoided confirming them, saying her focus was on California’s redistricting reform, which passed earlier this week.

Reflecting on her decades of service, Pelosi said representing San Francisco had been the “greatest honor” of her life.

“No matter what title they have bestowed upon me, speaker, leader, whip, 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,’” she said.

Reps Condemn US Congress Bill Alleging Religious Killings In Nigeria

Pelosi urged her constituents to “know their power” and remain engaged in shaping America’s democracy.

“I have truly loved serving as your voice,” she added. “As we go forward, my message to the city I love is this: San Francisco, know your power.”