After nearly four decades shaping Washington power and breaking barriers, Nancy Pelosi says she’s ready to pass the torch — closing out one of the most powerful and controversial careers in U.S. political history.
In a video message to her San Francisco constituents, Pelosi told supporters, “I want you, my fellow San Franciscans, to be the first to know … I will not be seeking re-election to Congress.”
That message signals the end of a nearly 40-year era that reshaped both California politics and national Democratic leadership — with Pelosi’s term officially ending January 3, 2027.
Thank you, San Francisco. pic.twitter.com/OP8ubeFzR6
— Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) November 6, 2025
Pelosi’s career can’t be summed up in a single headline. From breaking the glass ceiling in 2007 to leading through the Trump impeachments, COVID relief bills, and the Jan. 6 fallout, she’s been at the center of every major showdown in modern politics.
Some of her biggest moments includes making history as the first female House Speaker (2007–11, 2019–23), helping pass the Affordable Care Act, CARES Act, and Inflation Reduction Act and standing her ground through two impeachments of Donald Trump and navigating razor-thin majorities in Congress.
At 85 years old, Pelosi’s retirement hits during a time when Democrats are already grappling with generational change.
Sources close to Pelosi say the timing of her announcement was strategic, coming right after California’s Proposition 50 redistricting measure passed — something Pelosi helped push through to protect Democratic power in the state.
With her mission accomplished and her influence secured, Pelosi reportedly wanted to end on her own terms, wrapping up one last full term before closing her historic chapter.
From her first special election win in 1987 to decades of power in Washington, Nancy Pelosi’s name will forever be tied to some of America’s most defining political battles.
Love her or hate her, she paved the way for women in leadership — and her exit marks the end of one of the most dominant eras in U.S. politics.
