San Francisco, California | November 7, 2025 – In a groundbreaking announcement on Thursday, Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, confirmed her decision to retire from Congress at the end of her term in January 2027. This marks the end of a remarkable political career that spanned over three decades, during which Pelosi became one of the most influential and powerful figures in American politics.
What Happened: Pelosi’s Retirement Announcement
At 85 years old, Pelosi, a California Democrat, shared the news of her retirement in a heartfelt video message, where she expressed pride in her accomplishments and the progress made during her tenure.
“To my beloved city of San Francisco, know your power,” Pelosi said, encouraging future generations to remain active in shaping the nation’s future. “We have made history, we have made progress, and we have always led the way. Now, we must continue to do so by remaining full participants in our democracy.”
Pelosi’s announcement comes at the conclusion of her lengthy and influential service, after having represented San Francisco in Congress since 1987. Her retirement marks the end of an era in which she became a force in both U.S. policy and global politics.
Who Is Nancy Pelosi? A Storied Career
Pelosi was first elected to represent California’s 12th District, which includes San Francisco, at the age of 47. Over the years, she swiftly rose through the ranks of the Democratic Party, ultimately becoming Speaker of the House in 2007. In doing so, she made history as the first woman to hold the position.
Her leadership in the House spanned two separate terms, from 2007-2011 and again from 2019-2023. As Speaker, she played a pivotal role in passing landmark legislation, most notably securing the passage of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) under President Barack Obama. She also led the charge on critical infrastructure and climate change bills during President Joe Biden’s administration.
Pelosi’s tenure saw her repeatedly confront Republican opposition, including challenging former President Donald Trump during his time in office. She famously ripped up Trump’s State of the Union speech in 2020, a moment that became symbolic of the sharp political divide of that era.
Legacy and Political Impact
Pelosi’s impact on U.S. politics is undeniable. She is widely regarded as a master of legislative strategy, with a unique ability to navigate the complexities of both her party and the opposition. Her role in orchestrating the passage of major legislation, even under difficult circumstances, solidified her as a formidable figure in the history of Congress.
Perhaps most notably, Pelosi spearheaded two impeachments against Donald Trump — the first in 2019 for his actions concerning Ukraine, and the second in 2021 following the January 6th Capitol insurrection. Although Trump was acquitted both times, Pelosi’s role in these historic proceedings cemented her place as a key figure in modern American political history.
In addition to her work on health care, Pelosi played an instrumental role in pushing forward economic relief packages, such as the COVID-19 relief bill, as well as securing bipartisan infrastructure spending during the Biden administration.
As the leader of the House Democratic Caucus, Pelosi helped pass the first-ever same-sex marriage protections legislation, showing her continued commitment to progressive values throughout her career.
Reactions and What Happens Next
Pelosi’s retirement comes at a time when her influence still resonates within Congress and beyond. Her successor, Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, took over as the Democratic leader in 2022. However, Pelosi remains a powerful political figure, contributing to efforts like the passage of Proposition 50, a California redistricting initiative aimed at flipping House seats to Democrats in the 2026 midterms.
Supporters and colleagues have already begun to express their admiration for Pelosi’s legacy. Speaker of the House, Representative Jeffries, praised Pelosi as “a trailblazer for women in politics and a master of legislative victories” in his tribute.
A Time for Reflection and the Future
Pelosi’s retirement marks a monumental shift in the U.S. political landscape, as she leaves behind a legacy of historic achievements, unyielding determination, and an unwavering commitment to public service. The next chapter of U.S. politics will be shaped by her absence, but her contributions and the paths she forged for future leaders will undoubtedly endure.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
