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Nancy Pelosi to retire from Congress in January 2027
Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve as U.S. Speaker of the House and a defining figure in American politics for over three decades, announced her retirement from Congress on Thursday. The 85-year-old California Democrat confirmed in a video message that she will not seek re-election when her current term ends in January 2027, marking the close of a career that reshaped legislative power dynamics in Washington.
A trailblazing tenure in the House
Pelosi's political journey began in 1987 when, at age 47, she was first elected to represent San Francisco in the House of Representatives. She ascended rapidly through Democratic ranks, ultimately breaking barriers in 2007 when her party elected her as the first female Speaker of the House-a constitutional role second in presidential succession after the vice president. She held the position until 2011, regained it in 2019, and led the chamber until 2023.
Reflecting on her legacy, Pelosi stated,
"We have made history, we have made progress. We have always led the way, and now we must continue to do so by remaining full participants in our democracy, and fighting for the American ideals we hold dear."
Addressing her hometown, she added,
"As we go forward, my message to the city I love is this: San Francisco, know your power."
Key role in shaping landmark legislation
Pelosi's influence extended across multiple administrations, where she became a pivotal force in advancing-or blocking-presidential agendas. She was instrumental in securing passage of former President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act, as well as major infrastructure and climate change bills under President Joe Biden. Her tenure also included high-profile clashes with Donald Trump, culminating in her dramatic on-camera tearing of his 2020 State of the Union address-a moment that encapsulated her role as a lightning rod for Republican opposition.
Initially hesitant to pursue Trump's impeachment in 2019, Pelosi later deemed his actions regarding Ukraine an "abuse of power that could not be ignored." Under her leadership, House Democrats navigated razor-thin majorities to pass critical legislation, including a COVID-19 relief package, bipartisan infrastructure spending, a sweeping climate and social policy bill, and protections for same-sex marriage-all within two years.
Enduring influence beyond the speakership
Even after stepping down as Speaker in 2023, Pelosi remained a formidable political strategist. Most recently, she played a central role in California's Proposition 50, a 2026 redistricting initiative designed to shift five House seats toward Democratic control in the midterm elections. Her ability to mobilize party resources and shape electoral outcomes underscored her lasting impact on national politics.
Legacy and next steps
Pelosi's retirement leaves a void in Democratic leadership, though her career will be remembered for its historic firsts, legislative triumphs, and unyielding partisan battles. As she exits Congress, her call to "know your power" resonates not only with San Francisco but with a generation of lawmakers who followed her lead.
