Nancy Pelosi, a central figure in national politics and the long-standing leader of House Democrats, announced Thursday she will not seek another term in 2026, marking the close of her influential era in Congress and in San Francisco.
Her decision ends nearly 40 years of representing San Francisco in Congress, and ushers in a pivotal moment for the city’s political future.
Her decision ends nearly 40 years of representing San Francisco in Congress, and ushers in a pivotal moment for the city’s political future.
“I will not be seeking re-election to Congress. With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative of San Francisco,” Pelosi, 85, said in a video message. The announcement featured imagery of the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, and photos from her long career.
Pelosi, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, led her party for two decades as a strategist, negotiator, and political opponent. She worked with Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and clashed with the Republican administrations of George W. Bush and the current President, Donald Trump.
Pelosi is the daughter of Thomas D’Alesandro Jr., a former congressman and Baltimore mayor. Steeped in politics early, she won a 1987 special election to Congress and quickly rose through the ranks.
In 2001, she became the Democratic whip, and just a year later, the minority leader — the first woman ever to hold that position.
In 2001, she became the Democratic whip, and just a year later, the minority leader — the first woman ever to hold that position.
Her ascent culminated in 2007, when she became Speaker and broke a major glass ceiling. She then played a central role in politics, whether leading the majority or in opposition.
Among her most enduring achievements was shepherding the passage of the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) in 2010. It was one of the most significant social reforms of the 21st century. She also played a key role in crafting legislative responses to the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pelosi and President Trump had one of the defining rivalries of modern politics. Their confrontations dominated the news, from a heated White House meeting in 2018 to Pelosi tearing up Trump’s State of the Union address in 2020.
“I eat nails for breakfast,” she often quipped to highlight her toughness.
Pelosi presided over two impeachment proceedings against Trump, a rare feat in U.S. history. The Senate acquitted him both times.
Her leadership drew both praise and criticism. She embodied party discipline, resilience, and the ability to bridge divides within the Democratic Party.
A Departure That Opens a Political Battle in San Francisco
She stepped down from leadership in 2022 to make way for a new generation, including her choice, Hakeem Jeffries. Yet Pelosi remained powerful as Speaker Emerita. She continued to fundraise and mentor lawmakers even during Trump’s second term.
Proposition 50, which redraws California’s congressional map to counter Republican gerrymandering, reportedly influenced her decision.
“As we move forward, my message to the city I love is this: San Francisco, know who you are. We have made history, we have advanced our country, and we have always led the way,” she said.
“We must continue to be active participants in our democracy and defend the American ideals we hold dear.”
“We must continue to be active participants in our democracy and defend the American ideals we hold dear.”
Even before her announcement, a new generation of contenders had begun to emerge. California State Senator Scott Wiener and Saikat Chakrabarti, a former tech executive and co-founder of the Justice Democrats movement, have already declared their candidacies. Other progressives may join the race. It is rare in a city that has not seen a competitive congressional election in nearly 40 years.
Pelosi often described her mission as an extension of her family’s political calling. She named ‘For the children’ as her guiding phrase. This reflected her advocacy for education, health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and climate issues.
Her tenure will also be remembered for pragmatism and unparalleled mastery of legislative strategy.
Pelosi will remain in Congress through the end of her term and has pledged to ensure a smooth and orderly transition. Her departure marks the passing of a political generation, as Democrats seek to redefine themselves in the face of the Trump administration’s renewed dominance.
Hakeem Jeffries, the current House Democratic leader, paid tribute to her legacy.
“Nancy Pelosi is an iconic, legendary, and transformational figure who has improved the lives of so many people,” he told NBC News.
“Nancy Pelosi is an iconic, legendary, and transformational figure who has improved the lives of so many people,” he told NBC News.
The Pelosi era—defined by historic leadership and political transformation—may be coming to a close, but her impact on American politics will continue.
