Nancy Pelosi, one of the most consequential figures in modern U.S. political history, has announced she will retire from Congress at the end of her current term, closing a career that reshaped both the Democratic Party and the role of women in American government.

Pelosi, 85, informed colleagues and constituents on Thursday that she will not seek re-election in 2026. The California Democrat served 19 terms in the House of Representatives, becoming the first female Speaker of the U.S. House and a defining political force for nearly two decades.

“Every chapter must have an ending, and this one has been the honor of my lifetime,” Pelosi said in her farewell remarks from the Capitol. “I leave with faith in the future and confidence in the next generation of leadership.”

A Legacy of Power and Polarization

Pelosi’s career mirrored the evolution of Washington itself — from the partisan realignment of the 1990s to the populist upheaval of the 2010s. Known for her sharp political instincts and unflinching discipline, she led the House through some of its most turbulent years, from the Iraq War debates to Donald Trump’s impeachments.

First elected in 1987, Pelosi quickly ascended the ranks, becoming House Democratic Whip in 2001 and Speaker in 2007. Her first tenure (2007–2011) was marked by legislative milestones including the Affordable Care Act, Wall Street reform, and the economic stimulus package following the 2008 financial crisis.

After regaining the gavel in 2019, Pelosi presided over two impeachments of President Trump, the passage of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, and the largest federal investment in clean energy in U.S. history.

“Nancy Pelosi didn’t just hold power — she defined how it was used,” said Dr. Elaine Kamarck, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. “She modernized the speakership, centralized control, and turned the House into a disciplined political machine.”

A Symbol of Resistance and Leadership

For supporters, Pelosi was a trailblazer — the embodiment of persistence and precision in governance. For critics, she symbolized the establishment elite they sought to unseat.

Her leadership during the January 6 Capitol attack cemented her as both a target and a figure of resilience. Images of Pelosi rallying security officials in real time became emblematic of institutional endurance during crisis.

Internationally, she drew headlines for her 2022 visit to Taiwan, defying Beijing’s warnings and underscoring U.S. support for the island — a move later cited as one of the most consequential acts of congressional diplomacy in recent decades.

The End of an Era

Pelosi’s departure underscores a generational shift in Democratic politics. Her retirement follows a wave of transitions among party elders, including former President Biden’s decision not to seek re-election and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s signals of a potential exit after 2026.

Pelosi’s successor in her San Francisco district is expected to emerge from a competitive Democratic primary. Political insiders say her endorsement could still determine the outcome.

“She’s stepping down, but her influence isn’t leaving,” said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, her longtime protégé and now House Democratic leader. “Nancy Pelosi will always be part of the DNA of this institution.”

The Takeaway

Few politicians in U.S. history have matched Pelosi’s combination of longevity, legislative mastery, and partisan impact. Her name will remain linked to the transformation of Congress into a modern power center — and to the generations of women who followed her into political life.

“The real measure of leadership is not how long you hold the gavel,” Pelosi told staffers privately, according to aides, “but how well you pass it on.”