Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and a towering figure in modern American politics, has announced she will retire from Congress at the end of her term in early 2027, choosing not to seek re-election. Pelosi, 85, has served as a representative for San Francisco since 1987 and has been widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the Democratic Party.

In a heartfelt video message to her constituents, Pelosi said:

“I want you, my fellow San Franciscans, to be the first to know 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’s Historic Political Career

Pelosi first rose to national prominence when she became Speaker of the House, serving from 2007 to 2011 and later from 2019 to 2023. She stepped down from House leadership after her second tenure, paving the way for Congressman Hakeem Jeffries to assume the role of Democratic minority leader and potentially the next Speaker if Democrats regain control of the chamber. Pelosi retains the honorary title of Speaker Emerita.

As a legislative leader, Pelosi championed left-of-center policies, including shepherding former President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act through the House in 2010, one of her most notable achievements. During the first Trump administration, she emerged as a prominent figure of opposition, frequently countering the president’s legislative agenda.

Between 2021 and 2023, Pelosi helped Democrats pass landmark legislation, including a massive COVID-19 relief package and $1.2 trillion in infrastructure spending under President Joe Biden.

Challenges and High-Profile Moments

Pelosi’s tenure was marked by high-profile and sometimes controversial moments. During Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address, she famously tore up a copy of his speech behind the president on the podium—a moment emblematic of the intense political polarization of the era.

She also managed the increasingly ideologically diverse Democratic caucus, balancing the rising influence of progressive lawmakers like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib while maintaining party unity. Conservative Democrats occasionally withheld support during her speakership elections in 2019 and 2021.

Pelosi also faced personal challenges. In 2022, her husband, Paul Pelosi, was brutally assaulted during a home invasion in San Francisco while she was away, highlighting the security risks faced by high-profile political figures.

Pelosi and Ethics Reform

A prominent stock trader during her congressional career, Pelosi faced scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest. Earlier in 2025, she supported the proposed Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at limiting stock trading by lawmakers. She praised the effort as a step toward higher ethical standards in public service.

Legacy and Recognition

Pelosi’s legacy includes significant domestic and foreign policy influence. She has been a strong advocate for Ukraine and a China hawk, famously visiting Taiwan in 2022, which triggered tensions with Beijing. She opposed the Iraq War in 2003 but remained a staunch supporter of Israel, emphasizing the strategic and humanitarian cooperation between the U.S. and Israel.

Pelosi’s leadership has drawn praise from across the political spectrum. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries described her as:

“An iconic, heroic, trailblazing, legendary and transformational leader. She is the greatest Speaker of all time.”

Even right-wing Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene acknowledged Pelosi’s effectiveness, saying:

“I wish we could get things done for our party the way she did. She had an incredible career.”

Former President Donald Trump, however, criticized Pelosi, calling her an “evil woman” and a “tremendous liability,” but acknowledged that her retirement could be beneficial for the country.

Looking Ahead

Pelosi’s retirement marks the end of a historic era in the House of Representatives, highlighting the profound influence she has had on both legislation and the Democratic Party. Her final year in Congress will conclude a remarkable 38-year career, shaping American politics and leaving a lasting imprint on policy, party dynamics, and gender representation in government.

Key Takeaways:

• Nancy Pelosi will retire from Congress in early 2027.
• She is the first female Speaker of the US House of Representatives.
• Pelosi played a key role in passing the Affordable Care Act, COVID-19 relief, and infrastructure legislation.
• Her career was marked by high-profile political confrontations, ethical scrutiny, and international engagement.
• Pelosi leaves behind a legacy of leadership, trailblazing achievements, and historic influence on the Democratic Party.