- Nancy Pelosi, 85, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, announced she will not seek reelection in 2026, ending a nearly 40-year-long congressional career.
- Pelosi served two terms as Speaker of the House (2007–2011, 2019–2023), becoming the first person in half a century to regain the position.
- Pelosi’s legislative legacy includes the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), Dodd-Frank financial reforms, and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
- Her husband, Paul Pelosi, was violently attacked in 2022 by a right-wing extremist in their San Francisco home. Pelosi herself has faced health challenges, including a hip fracture from a fall during a 2023 overseas trip.
- Pelosi’s departure opens the way for new Democratic leadership. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is positioned to succeed her if Democrats regain control of the House.
Nancy Pelosi, First Woman US House Speaker, Won’t Seek Reelection
