Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday morning that she will not seek reelection to Congress after her current term expires, bringing to a close one of the most consequential political careers in modern American history.
The California Democrat, who has represented San Francisco in the House of Representatives for decades, made the announcement in a video message directed to her constituents.
“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 stated. “I have truly loved serving as your voice in Congress. That is why I want you, my fellow San Franciscans, to be the first to know I will not be seeking reelection to Congress. With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative.”
Pelosi’s tenure in Congress has been marked by significant influence over the legislative process and Democratic Party strategy. She served as House Speaker from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023, wielding the gavel during some of the most contentious periods in recent congressional history.
Her second stint as Speaker coincided with President Donald Trump’s first term in office, during which she became one of his most prominent political adversaries. The relationship between the Speaker and the President was characterized by open confrontation, culminating in her tearing up her printed copy of Trump’s State of the Union address in 2020 while seated behind him on the House floor. Trump subsequently dubbed her “Crazy Nancy,” a moniker he employed frequently throughout his presidency.
President Trump responded to news of Pelosi’s retirement with characteristically blunt commentary. “The retirement of Nancy Pelosi is a great thing for America,” Trump stated. He described her as “evil” and “corrupt,” adding that she was “only focused on bad things for our country.”
“She was rapidly losing control of her party and it was never coming back,” Trump continued. “I’m very honored she impeached me twice and failed miserably twice.”
Indeed, Pelosi presided over two impeachment proceedings against Trump, both of which resulted in acquittal by the Senate. The impeachments remain among the most divisive episodes in recent political memory, with Republicans largely viewing them as partisan exercises and Democrats maintaining they were constitutional necessities.
Pelosi’s decision to step away from Congress marks the end of an era for Democratic leadership in the House. Her ability to maintain party discipline and marshal votes on critical legislation earned her respect from allies and grudging acknowledgment from opponents regarding her political acumen.
As she prepares for her final year representing San Francisco, the political landscape she leaves behind remains deeply polarized. Her departure creates an opening in one of the nation’s most reliably Democratic districts and removes one of the most recognizable figures from the congressional stage.
The announcement comes as both parties position themselves for upcoming electoral battles, with control of Congress hanging in the balance and the nation facing significant domestic and international challenges.
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