Nancy Pelosi announces retirement after nearly 40 years in US Congress

Nancy Pelosi, first woman to serve as US House speaker has announced she will not seek reelection and would be stepping down at the end of her term in January 2027. Pelosi was one of the most powerful figures in Democratic politics for decades.

In a video message shared on social media, Pelosi said, “I want you, my fellow San Franciscans, to be the first to know. I will not be seeking reelection to Congress. With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative.”

A consummate political operator, Pelosi, 85, served as the first female Speaker of the House and led her party in the lower chamber of Congress from 2003 until 2023.

Further in her video Pelosi said, "We have always led the way, and now we must continue to do so by remaining full participants in our democracy, and fighting for the American ideals we hold dear."

"As we go forward, my message to the city I love is this: San Francisco, know your power," Pelosi added.