Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, the barrier-breaking first woman to hold the Speaker’s gavel and one of the most powerful figures in modern American politics, officially announced Thursday that she will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The announcement, delivered in a video address to her constituents, brings a close to a nearly four-decade career representing San Francisco. While speculation had been mounting for weeks, Mrs. Pelosi’s decision marks the definitive end of an era in Congress.
“I will not be seeking re-election to Congress,” Pelosi said in her video, which was filled with images showcasing her decades of accomplishments. The 85-year-old Democrat confirmed she will serve out her final year in office, and used the address to issue a call to action.
“My message to the city I love is this: San Francisco, know your power,” she urged. “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.”
Pelosi’s career is unparalleled. Her political strength was demonstrated by her legislative victories as Speaker, where she was credited with marshalling votes to pass landmark legislation, including the Affordable Care Act under the Obama administration and major spending projects during President Joe Biden’s term.
Her announcement follows a significant win for Democrats: the overwhelming passage of California’s redistricting ballot measure, “Prop 50,” on Tuesday, an effort she strongly supported. A California Democrat in the House had previously suggested this would be a “crowning achievement” for her to depart on.
The news was not entirely unexpected, as the Tampa Free Press previously reported that party insiders believed she was “preparing to exit the stage,” noting that she did not appear to be actively campaigning against two Democrats who have entered the primary for her San Francisco district.
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