Nancy Pelosi is stepping away from the political spotlight after nearly four decades in Congress. The 85-year-old Democratic icon revealed Thursday that she will not be running for reelection in 2026.
“I have truly loved serving as your voice in Congress,” Pelosi said in her farewell video. “I will not be seeking reelection to Congress.”
Her announcement wasn’t unexpected, but it still lands as a seismic shift. Pelosi has served as the most powerful Democrat in the House for years, making history in 2007 when she became the first woman to hold the speaker’s gavel.
She led her party through high-stakes battles, most notably during the Trump era, and was instrumental in passing key laws like the Affordable Care Act. Most recently, Pelosi helped engineer a big win for Democrats with a redistricting initiative in California.
Elected in 1987, Pelosi became a master strategist known for her ability to wrangle votes and hold her caucus together. Even after stepping back from leadership, her presence remained dominant in Washington.
Her political career wasn’t without drama. She famously tore up Trump’s State of the Union speech and faced intense scrutiny over her decisions during the Biden presidency. Still, her legacy includes championing healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights, and women’s leadership.
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,'” Pelosi reflected.
