‘An Icon of American Politics’: Democrats React as Nancy Pelosi Announces She Will Not Seek Re-Election to Congress

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will not seek re-election to Congress and will retire when her term concludes in early 2027, the San Francisco Representative announced on Thursday.

“For decades, I’ve cherished the privilege of representing our magnificent city in the United States Congress,” Pelosi said in a video dedicated to San Francisco. “With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your proud Representative.”

Pelosi has served as the Representative for San Francisco since 1987. She made history as the first—and only—female Speaker of the House in 2007, which cemented her legacy as a powerful Democratic figure in Congress.

The 85-year-old announced her retirement in a video highlighting historic wins—from the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to fighting the HIV/AIDS crisis, to infrastructure and climate change legislation. Her retirement news arrives just days after voters passed Proposition 50, a California ballot measure that will allow the state to redraw its congressional map to add more Democratic seats in the House—an action Pelosi campaigned for.

Following Pelosi’s announcement, her fellow Democrats have reacted to the news and paid tribute to her service, which spans nearly four decades.

Former President Joe Biden referred to Pelosi as the "best Speaker of the House in American history" and said that's why he awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024.

"When I was President, we worked together to grow our economy, create millions of jobs, and make historic investments in our nation’s future," said Biden. "She has devoted much of her life to this country, and America will always be grateful."

Former President Barack Obama echoed Biden’s sentiments about Pelosi, commending her leadership, friendship, and success in uniting officials to pass legislation.

“She made us proud to be Democrats,” Obama said, before wishing the former House Speaker and her husband, Paul, “the best” in their next chapter.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also praised Pelosi's impact.

"Few Speakers in American history have left a mark as deep, as lasting, and as inspiring as Nancy Pelosi," he said. "As the first woman to wield the Speaker’s gavel, she didn’t just break glass ceilings—she shattered them and then built a ladder for countless others to climb."

California State’s Sen. Scott Wiener, who announced last month he was running for Pelosi’s seat, thanked the Representative for her “years of courageous and tireless service to our country.”

“Speaker Emerita Pelosi is more than a legislator—she is an icon of American politics,” said Wiener. “She led the fight for health care and obliterated Trump when he tried to repeal it.”

California's Gov. Gavin Newsom, a longtime friend of Pelosi’s, congratulated the former Speaker on this “new chapter” of her life.

“Nancy Pelosi has inspired generations. Her courage and conviction to San Francisco, California, and our nation has set the standard for what public service should be. Her impact on this nation is unmatched,” Newsom said.

California Sen. Adam Schiff praised Pelosi, who he referred to as a mentor and friend, for her record in Congress and involvement in passing major progressive policies. Schiff highlighted Pelosi’s leadership in advocating for “human rights and democracy” on the global stage, calling her a “guiding light” for him and others.

“California will not see another champion that is as committed, as capable, and as filled with the progressive spirit as Nancy Pelosi. Not for a very long time. And I look forward to seeing what she will accomplish in her remaining time in the Congress and in the future,” he said.

Pennsylvania Rep. Brendan Boyle thanked Pelosi for her service, calling her the “greatest Speaker of the House of all-time.”

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar called Pelosi a “trailblazer” and “fierce fighter,” whose “service has changed America for the better.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries offered a similar show of support for Pelosi, who he said “profoundly blessed” him with her insight.

“Guiding her life’s work has always been her strong faith, tremendous patriotism, and belief that we have a Republic worth keeping,” Jeffries said of Pelosi’s legacy.

Pelosi was the last Democrat to have the title of House Minority Leader before Jeffries took on the role in 2023.

Adelita Grijalva, Representative-elect of Arizona’s 7th district, thanked Pelosi for her support during a difficult moment in her own life: her father’s passing.

“Nancy Pelosi shattered glass ceilings, championed healthcare, fought for LGBTQ+ rights, and led with courage and vision. When my dad, Congressman Grijalva, passed, she was right there,” Grijalva said. “Thank you, Speaker Pelosi, for your service to the people of San Francisco and our nation.”

Pennsylvania’s Gov. Josh Shapiro also shared a personal note honoring Pelosi, pointing to her actions following the April 2025 arson attack on his home.

“After the attack on our family, the Speaker was at Pope Leo's installation and said a prayer for our family there—prayers our family shared for her when violence reached her family's door,” he recalled.

In 2022, a man broke into Pelosi’s California home and attacked her husband, Paul, with a hammer, resulting in a skull fracture and head wounds. The assailant, who has since been sentenced to life in prison without parole, was looking for the former Speaker when he entered the home.