Nancy Pelosi Announces She Will Not Seek Re-election, Concluding Nearly Four Decades in Congress

A Storied Career Concludes

Washington, D.C. – Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced today, Thursday, November 6, 2025, that she will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives, marking the end of a nearly four-decade-long career in federal service. Pelosi, 85, who has represented San Francisco, California, since 1987, conveyed her decision in a video address to her constituents.

In her announcement, Pelosi stated, 'I will not be seeking reelection to Congress.' She added a message to her city, saying, 'My message to the city I love is this: San Francisco, know your power. We have made history. We have made progress. We have always led the way.' Pelosi also emphasized, 'And now we must continue to do so by remaining full participants in our democracy and fighting for the American ideals we hold dear.'

A Trailblazing Leader

First elected in a special election in 1987, Pelosi quickly rose through the ranks of the Democratic Party. She made history as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, holding the gavel from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. Prior to her speakerships, she served as House Minority Leader from 2003 to 2007 and again from 2011 to 2019, and as House Minority Whip in 2001.

Throughout her tenure, Pelosi represented California's 11th Congressional District, which encompasses much of San Francisco. By the end of her current term in January 2027, she will have served nearly 40 years in Congress.

Legislative Impact and Legacy

Pelosi's leadership was instrumental in the passage of significant legislation under multiple administrations. Her key legislative achievements include:

• The Affordable Care Act
• The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
• The repeal of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy
• The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
• The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
• The Inflation Reduction Act
• The American Rescue Plan

She also oversaw the impeachment proceedings against then-President Donald Trump twice. After Democrats lost control of the House in the 2022 midterm elections, Pelosi stepped down from party leadership, assuming the title of Speaker Emerita.

Looking Ahead

Pelosi's decision, while anticipated by some, sends ripples through Washington and California politics, opening the door for a new generation of leadership in her heavily Democratic district. Her retirement marks the departure of one of the most influential figures in modern American political history.