Nancy Pelosi, first female speaker of the House, won't seek re-election to Congress [View all]

Source: NBC News

Nov. 6, 2025, 9:00 AM EST


WASHINGTON — In a final love letter to San Francisco, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who made history as the nation’s first female speaker of the House and twice served in that top job, said Thursday in a video message she will not seek re-election in 2026.

"I will not be seeking re-election to Congress. With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative," Pelosi, 85, said in her video message to San Francisco voters, interlaced with sweeping imagery of the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower and other landmarks, as well as photos that captured her storied political career.

The powerful California Democrat led her party in the House for two decades — from 2002 to 2022 — serving as a crucial ally for Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and orchestrating the opposition to Republican Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump.

NBC News reported this week that Democrats in California and on Capitol Hill were preparing for her retirement announcement.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/nancy-pelosi-first-female-speaker-house-wont-seek-re-election-congress-rcna239324

Link to tweet