Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced she will not seek re-election, concluding 20 terms in office. Pelosi, a California Democrat, stated in a video to her San Francisco constituents that she had "truly loved serving as your voice in Congress" and looked forward to her "final year of service".
Pelosi's departure follows her tenure as the first woman elected to serve as Speaker of the House in 2007. At the time, she stated, "For our daughters and our granddaughters: today we have broken the marble ceiling."
Career Highlights and Legislative Actions
As Speaker and leader of House Democrats, Pelosi was recognized for her political judgment and legislative strategy. Republicans frequently targeted Pelosi politically, characterizing her as a "coastal elitist". Pelosi, who had raised five children prior to her congressional career, disputed this characterization.
Pelosi was first elected in a special election in 1987. She described her transition to Congress as going "from the kitchen to the Congress" after raising her children and engaging in state politics.
She began her career on Capitol Hill as an appropriator, a role she referenced with the statement "Congress has the power of the purse". She advanced through Democratic leadership, becoming the first woman to lead a major party in either chamber when elected House Democratic Minority leader in 2002.
She led Democrats to regain the House majority in 2006. Following her election as Speaker in 2007, Pelosi served in the role for four years until Republicans secured control of the chamber.
Pelosi, who referred to herself as a "master legislator", was instrumental in securing Democratic votes for legislation. Her initial speakership coincided with a financial crisis that impacted the U.S. economy.
Key Legislative Periods
In September 2008, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke met with congressional leaders, including Pelosi, in the U.S. Capitol. Paulson described an impending financial crisis. The Bush administration requested $700 billion from Congress to support the U.S. economy. Pelosi later recounted Bernanke's statement that "If we do not act immediately, we will not have an economy by Monday", following her inquiry about Paulson's description of the crisis.
Following the election of Barack Obama, Pelosi supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a stimulus package designed to address the Great Recession. She contributed to the passage of Dodd-Frank reforms for the banking industry and played a role in the development of the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act became a notable legislative achievement of Obama's presidency.
Subsequent to these legislative actions, the Tea Party movement emerged. Democrats experienced losses in the 2010 midterm elections, resulting in their return to minority status in the House and the conclusion of Pelosi's initial speakership. President Obama characterized these election results as "a shellacking".
Following the 2010 elections, expectations of Pelosi's retirement from Congress were noted. Republicans utilized her image in campaign advertising within swing districts.
Pelosi reclaimed the speakership in 2019, a position she had previously held, marking the first time in over 60 years a former speaker had returned to the role. Analysts had previously considered her political stance. Her legislative approach has been described as pragmatic.
Presidential Administrations
Pelosi served alongside four presidents during her tenure as Speaker. Her relationship with President George W. Bush was characterized by periods of both disagreement and legislative cooperation.
Her relationship with President Trump was marked by frequent disagreement. She presided over two presidential impeachment processes and established the Select Committee to investigate the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
With the election of President Joe Biden and Democratic control of both chambers of Congress, Pelosi oversaw the enactment of legislation including the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Following the 2022 midterm elections, in which Democrats lost control of the House, Pelosi stepped down from her leadership position. She continued to serve as a House representative. Then-President Biden stated, "History will note she is the most consequential speaker of the House of Representatives in our history."
Recent Events
In 2022, Paul Pelosi, her husband, was attacked by an intruder at their residence. Paul Pelosi sustained injuries including a skull fracture, requiring surgery. The incident was cited as an example of an increase in political violence.
Reports indicated Pelosi encouraged President Biden regarding his potential withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.
In 2024, Pelosi received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Earlier in the year, Pelosi indicated she would defer an announcement regarding her political future until after a vote on California's Proposition 50, a ballot measure pertaining to the redrawing of congressional districts. In a recent CNN interview, Pelosi stated that she believed she would win if she chose to run. She described this perspective as "confident" rather than "arrogant."