Nancy Pelosi Announces Retirement from Congress, Ending Decade-Long Tenure
SAN FRANCISCO — Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the House and one of the most influential figures in modern American politics, has announced her decision to retire from Congress, ending her nearly three-decade-long tenure. The move, which came after months of speculation, was kept under the radar, with only a small circle of allies and family members aware of her decision until the night before her public announcement. She had prepared two versions of her announcement video — one suggesting a potential reelection bid and another that she would actually release. This was a highly strategic move, allowing her to maintain control over the narrative and timing of her exit.
Pelosi, who has long been a dominant figure in Democratic politics, faced mounting pressure in her district to step aside, especially as she reaches the age of 8, and as the Democratic Party grapples with generational division. While many had expected her not to run again, the uncertainty over her intentions was part of a carefully orchestrated plan. As one of her advisers noted, she was determined to make her announcement on her own terms, keeping a tightly controlled circle of confidants.
The announcement, which she made via a lengthy and emotional video posted to social media, was met with an outpouring of tributes from prominent Democrats, including former President Joe Biden, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. Even some Republicans, such as Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and former Speaker Paul Ryan, offered kind words. However, the move also prompted top Republicans to reiterate their criticisms of Pelosi as an out-of-touch political figure.
Pelosi’s decision was not made in isolation. She had been working for months on her exit strategy, and her timing was influenced by recent events, including the California redistricting vote that passed on Tuesday, which delivered a significant win for Democrats. The outcome was seen as a victory for Pelosi, who had campaigned heavily for the measure. However, the decision to step down came just days after the election, with many in her district still hopeful she would remain in office.
As she prepares to leave Congress, Pelosi’s legacy remains intact, with many in San Francisco and beyond acknowledging that her influence on the Democratic Party and national politics will be difficult to replace.