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Nancy Pelosi to Establish Institute for Representative Democracy at UC Berkeley; Will Not Seek Re-election

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Representative Nancy Pelosi to Conclude Congressional Career, Establish Democracy Institute at UC Berkeley

Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, will not seek re-election and has announced plans to establish the Nancy Pelosi Institute for Representative Democracy (NPI) at the University of California, Berkeley.

Summary of Announcements

"We have made history, we have made progress." — Nancy Pelosi

Pelosi's decision to conclude her congressional service was announced in a video message to her constituents in San Francisco. Her term will end in January 2027. Concurrently, UC Berkeley announced the creation of the NPI, which is scheduled to open in January 2027. The institute will be headquartered in the Charles and Louise Travers Department of Political Science and will focus on research, teaching, and civic engagement.

Congressional Career Conclusion

Pelosi has represented San Francisco in Congress since 1987, and will conclude 20 terms in office.

In her video message, she encouraged ongoing participation in democracy, telling her constituency: "San Francisco, know your power."

First elected in a special election in 1987, Pelosi advanced through Democratic leadership, becoming the first woman to lead a major party in either chamber when she was elected House Democratic Minority leader in 2002. She led Democrats to regain the House majority in 2006.

In 2007, she became the first woman elected to serve as Speaker of the House — a role she held from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. The Speaker of the House is third in the line of presidential succession.

Relationships with Four Presidents

During her tenure as Speaker, Pelosi served alongside:

  • President George W. Bush: A relationship characterized by periods of both disagreement and legislative cooperation.
  • President Barack Obama: She supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and contributed to the passage of the Affordable Care Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
  • President Donald Trump: 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.
  • President Joe Biden: She oversaw the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Later Career and Recognition

Following the 2022 midterm elections, in which Democrats lost control of the House, Pelosi stepped down from her leadership position but continued to serve as a House representative.

In 2022, Paul Pelosi, her husband, was attacked by an intruder at their residence, sustaining injuries including a skull fracture that required surgery.

In 2024, Pelosi received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Nancy Pelosi Institute for Representative Democracy

UC Berkeley is collaborating with Pelosi to establish the Nancy Pelosi Institute for Representative Democracy (NPI) , focusing on research, learning, and civic engagement.

Funding and Structure

  • Philanthropic commitments of over $32 million have been secured, primarily for a permanent endowment.
  • The institute has a fundraising target of $50 million by the end of 2027.
  • The institute will be programmatic rather than a physical building.
  • Pelosi will raise funds for the institute as part of the $50 million campaign.

Programs and Initiatives

  • Pelosi will co-teach a course on Congress with UC Berkeley professor Eric Schickler.
  • The institute will support:
    • Faculty research
    • New undergraduate leadership courses
    • A visiting fellows program
    • Student summer experiences
    • An annual nonpartisan forum
  • The institute will bring bipartisan speakers to campus.

Research Focus Areas

The institute will concentrate on:

  • Strengthening democratic institutions
  • Addressing societal, economic, and environmental challenges (including climate change and wealth inequality)
  • Promoting human rights
  • Fostering political leadership reflecting diverse backgrounds
  • Electoral reforms to reduce polarization
  • The impact of artificial intelligence on democracy
  • Criminal justice reform

Public Exhibit

In spring 2027, UC Berkeley's Bancroft Library will host a public exhibit documenting Pelosi's life and career, including her awards and legislation.

Statements

"The institute aims to use my experience to train future leaders and will focus on human rights, challenges to democracy, climate, and economic inequality." — Nancy Pelosi

  • Chancellor Rich Lyons stated that the institute aligns with Berkeley's commitment to civil discourse and preparing students for leadership.
  • Political Science Chair Scott Straus emphasized the institute's role in linking academic research with governance.
  • Dean Raka Ray noted Berkeley's role as a pipeline for civic leadership.

Pelosi's Future Role

Pelosi will co-teach a class and raise funds for the institute. Her papers remain at the Library of Congress.