Nancy Pelosi, who has been in Washington for almost 40 years, has announced that she will not run for re-election
Nancy Pelosi is leaving the political limelight after serving in Congress for almost 40 years. On Thursday, the 85-year-old Democratic icon announced that she would not be seeking reelection in 2026.
“Being your voice in Congress has been an absolute pleasure,” Pelosi stated in her goodbye video. “I will not run for reelection to the United States Congress.”
Her announcement was a tectonic shift even though it wasn’t shocking. Pelosi, who became the first woman to carry the speaker’s gavel in 2007, has been the most dominant Democrat in the House for years.
She helped pass important laws like the Affordable Care Act and led her party through difficult struggles, particularly during the Trump administration. Pelosi most recently assisted in a redistricting effort in California that resulted in a significant victory for Democrats.
A skilled tactician, Pelosi gained notoriety for her ability to control votes and maintain unity within her caucus after winning the 1987 election. She retreated from leadership, but her influence in Washington persisted.
Drama was a part of her political career. During the Biden administration, she came under heavy fire for her choices and notoriously criticized Trump’s State of the Union address. Nonetheless, she left behind a legacy that supports women’s leadership, LGBTQ+ rights, and healthcare.
According to Pelosi, “I stand on the House floor and say, ‘I speak for the people of San Francisco.'” This has been the greatest honor for me.
