In May 2024, President Joe Biden honoured Nancy Pelosi with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian award, during a ceremony held in the East Room of the White House. Getty Images
Nancy Pelosi, the first and only woman to serve as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, announced Thursday that she will not seek re-election after nearly four decades in Congress.
In a heartfelt video message addressed to her San Francisco constituents, the 85-year-old Democrat reflected on her career and thanked voters for their trust and support.
“I have truly loved serving as your voice in Congress,” Pelosi said. “With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative. San Francisco, know your power. We have made history, we have made progress, and we must continue to lead.”
Her announcement ends weeks of speculation that the long-time political figure would step away from public office.
A groundbreaking political journey
Pelosi first entered Congress in 1987, winning a special election to represent California’s 5th District. She later made history in 2007 as the first woman to become Speaker of the House, a role she held twice — from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023.
In her time as Speaker, Pelosi led Democrats through major legislative victories, including the passage of the Affordable Care Act. She was also at the centre of key political battles with former President Donald Trump, including his two impeachments. One of her most memorable moments came in 2020 when she tore up Trump’s State of the Union speech on live television.
“I say to my colleagues all the time — no matter what title they gave me, there has been no greater honour than to stand on the House floor and say, ‘I speak for the people of San Francisco,’” she said.
Legacy of power and resilience
Pelosi, who grew up in Baltimore’s Little Italy, was raised in a politically active family — her father and brother both served as mayors of the city. Colleagues often credit her upbringing for her sharp negotiating skills and firm leadership style.
Throughout her career, Pelosi rarely lost a floor vote and kept her caucus united, even through fierce political divisions. She helped guide the party through challenging years and remained a driving force in shaping modern Democratic priorities.
Her leadership saw the party evolve into a more progressive force, supporting stronger stances on health care, abortion rights, and equality.
Triumphs, challenges, and personal strength
Pelosi announced her decision just two days after a major Democratic victory in California, where a redistricting measure she championed passed with strong support. The move capped off a career filled with both political wins and personal challenges.
In 2022, her husband, Paul Pelosi, was seriously injured during a violent home invasion, an attack that she said deeply affected her decision to step back from leadership.
Despite her influence, Pelosi rarely emphasized her role as a trailblazer for women. But in past interviews, she has said her strength and visibility were important symbols. “You don’t run away from the fight,” she said. “You stand your ground.”
A farewell from colleagues and critics
Reactions to her announcement came quickly. President Joe Biden praised Pelosi as “the best Speaker in American history” and reminded the nation that he had awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024.
Even her critics acknowledged her impact. Trump, however, called her “terrible” and “a liability,” underscoring the deep partisan divide that marked much of her time in Washington.
As Pelosi prepares to leave Congress, she closes one of the most significant chapters in American political history — one defined by perseverance, progress, and power.
