Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she will not run for another term in Congress, officially bringing to a close one of the most influential careers in American political history.
Pelosi, who has represented San Francisco for nearly four decades, made the announcement in a video message addressed to her constituents.
“I will not be seeking reelection to Congress,” Pelosi said, confirming that she will serve out her current term.
Her decision marks the end of an era that redefined Democratic leadership and shaped U.S. government policy for a generation. The California Democrat, who became the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, played a pivotal role in major legislative achievements and crisis-era decision-making that reshaped the nation’s political landscape.
In her message, Pelosi thanked the city she has represented since 1987.
“My message to the city I love is this: San Francisco, know your power,” she said. “We have made history. We have made progress. We have always led the way.”
She continued, “And now we must continue to do so by remaining full participants in our democracy and fighting for the American ideals we hold dear.”
Pelosi’s announcement also comes amid a personal chapter of resilience. Her husband, Paul Pelosi, was severely injured in a violent home invasion nearly three years ago, when an attacker broke into their residence demanding, “Where is Nancy?” The assault, which occurred just days before the 2022 midterm elections, left him hospitalized with critical injuries. His recovery continues to this day.
Over the years, Pelosi has become one of the most formidable figures in U.S. politics and a powerhouse fundraiser for the Democratic Party, amassing more than $1 billion to support candidates and campaigns nationwide.
Her tenure saw the passage of several landmark bills, including the Affordable Care Act, the Dodd-Frank financial reforms, and the repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
These legislative victories cemented her reputation as a skilled negotiator and a defining voice in the era of modern American democracy.
Though Pelosi has not indicated her next move, her influence within U.S. elections and policymaking will continue to reverberate. Her exit signals a major shift in Democratic leadership as the 2026 election season approaches
