Nancy Pelosi to Retire in 2027, Ending 38-Year Career in U.S. Congress

Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, has announced she will not seek reelection at the next election, officially stepping away after nearly four decades in Congress.

“I will not be seeking reelection to Congress,” said the 85-year-old Democrat, one of former President Donald Trump’s strongest political rivals.

In a video message to her San Francisco constituents, Pelosi said she would complete her final year “with a grateful heart.” Her current term ends in January 2027, marking the close of a political journey that began in 1987.

Pelosi made history as the first woman to lead a major political party in Congress. Over 38 years of service, she became one of the most powerful and influential women in U.S. political history.

Now in her 19th term, Pelosi has represented her San Francisco-area district since 1987, earning national recognition for her leadership and legislative skill.

As House Speaker for eight years, she was second in line to the presidency, serving during key periods under both Democratic and Republican administrations.

Her tenure was marked by the passage of major laws, including Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act and Joe Biden’s infrastructure and social spending programs.

While Democrats hailed her ability to unite a divided caucus, Republicans often cast her as a symbol of the liberal elite. Former President Trump repeatedly mocked her as “crazy Nancy.”

Pelosi, however, remained unflinching in her political battles, most memorably ripping up Trump’s State of the Union address on live television in 2020.

Despite weeks of speculation about her retirement, Pelosi deflected questions about her future, focusing instead on her successful California redistricting reform initiative, which passed earlier this week.

In her announcement, Pelosi reflected on the honor of serving her district and the nation.

“I say to my colleagues in the House all the time, no matter what title they have bestowed upon me speaker, leader, whip, there has been no greater honor for me than to stand on the House floor and say, I speak for the people of San Francisco,” Pelosi said.

“I have truly loved serving as your voice,” she added. “As we go forward, my message to the city I love is this: San Francisco, know your power.”

Pelosi’s departure marks the end of an era in U.S. politics. Her decision not to seek reelection will conclude the career of a woman who broke barriers, shaped Democratic leadership for decades, and redefined what it means to serve in Congress.