Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, one of the most influential figures in modern American politics, announced on Thursday that she will retire at the end of her current term and not seek reelection in 2026.
Pelosi, 85, made the announcement in a video posted to her social media accounts, saying, “We have made history, we have made progress, and now it is time for a new generation to lead.” Her decision marks the end of a remarkable four-decade career in Congress, during which she broke barriers and shaped national policy.
Elected to the House in 1987, Pelosi made history in 2007 as the first and only woman to serve as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. She held the gavel twice — from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023 — steering major legislative victories for Democrats, including the Affordable Care Act and pandemic relief measures.
Pelosi, a powerful fundraiser and strategist, was known for her ability to unite her caucus through turbulent political eras, including two impeachments of former President Donald Trump.
In her farewell message, Pelosi expressed gratitude to her San Francisco constituents and pledged to continue advocating for democracy, women’s rights, and equality even after leaving office.
President Joe Biden and other leaders from both parties praised her service, calling her a “trailblazer” whose leadership redefined the role of women in American politics.
Pelosi’s departure marks the end of an era in Democratic leadership.
