Veteran U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi will not seek re-election in 2026 and plans to step down from Congress in January 2027, concluding a trailblazing four-decade political career and signaling a significant generational shift within the Democratic Party.
Pelosi, 85, a Democrat representing San Francisco, California, made the announcement after a political career that saw her break barriers and become one of the most influential figures in modern American politics.
Her departure from office will mark the end of an era for one of the country’s most prominent legislative leaders.
Pelosi twice served as Speaker of the House of Representatives, first from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. She was the first woman in history to hold the powerful position.
Her legislative achievements include leading efforts to pass major healthcare reform, significant infrastructure investment, and landmark climate change initiatives.
She also headed the House Democrats through tumultuous periods, notably overseeing two impeachment proceedings against former President Donald Trump.
The announcement follows her decision in 2022 to step down from party leadership, paving the way for Representative Hakeem Jeffries to become the top House Democrat. Her retirement completes a gradual transition within the party’s upper echelons.