Overview
- Nancy Pelosi, 85, announced in a video to San Francisco voters that she will forgo a 2026 campaign and retire when her term ends in January 2027.
- Her decision caps nearly 39 years representing the city, including two terms as the first woman Speaker and roughly two decades leading House Democrats.
- The open seat is expected to draw a competitive Democratic primary, with declared candidates including state senator Scott Wiener and Saikat Chakrabarti.
- Joe Biden praised Pelosi as the best Speaker in U.S. history, while President Donald Trump celebrated her departure and criticized her record in media remarks.
- The announcement follows recent Democratic wins and her push for a California redistricting initiative, reflecting her continued influence in state politics.