Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the House and a significant figure in American politics, announced on November 2, 2023, that she will not seek reelection in 2026. This decision effectively concludes her remarkable 38-year congressional career, during which she transformed both San Francisco and national political landscapes. The 85-year-old Democrat shared her announcement in a heartfelt video message, expressing gratitude for her constituents.
“I want you, my fellow San Franciscans, to be the first to know,” Pelosi stated. “With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative.” The announcement comes shortly after California voters approved Proposition 50, a redistricting measure that she championed, which aims to redraw congressional maps in favor of Democrats for upcoming elections.
Pelosi’s political journey began in 1987 when she was selected by the late Rep. Sala Burton to run for the San Francisco seat. At that time, the House of Representatives had only 23 female members out of 435. From her district office in San Francisco and her home in Pacific Heights, Pelosi cultivated a political machine that made her one of the most influential lawmakers in modern U.S. history.
In addition to breaking gender barriers, Pelosi played a pivotal role in passing transformative legislation, including the Affordable Care Act during President Barack Obama’s administration. She first became Speaker of the House in 2007 and returned to the position in 2019, making her the first person to serve non-consecutive terms in six decades.
As her tenure progressed, Pelosi faced calls for generational change, particularly from younger Democrats. A recent internal poll from her challenger, Saikat Chakrabarti, indicated that 51% of voters believed it was time for a change in leadership. Although some expressed discontent, Pelosi rejected claims that her political moves were intended to benefit her daughter, Christine Pelosi, who is speculated to be a potential candidate for her seat.
Pelosi’s retirement sets the stage for a highly competitive congressional race in San Francisco. State Senator Scott Wiener has announced his candidacy for the 2026 election, emphasizing the need for a leader capable of opposing what he describes as “Trump’s extremist agenda.” Wiener, who has represented San Francisco and northern San Mateo County, is viewed as a moderate candidate who has been vocal about progressive issues.
Challenging him will be Chakrabarti, a 39-year-old tech entrepreneur and former chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. He launched his campaign earlier this year, advocating for new leadership in the Democratic Party. His grassroots support was evident during a recent campaign event that drew over 600 attendees.
In addition to these candidates, speculation surrounds Christine Pelosi, a Democratic National Committee member and attorney, who has been mentioned as a potential successor. Other possible contenders include Supervisor Connie Chan, who could gain support from Pelosi’s base.
Pelosi’s legislative career has not only been marked by her achievements but also by the controversies and threats she encountered. She became a frequent target for Republican campaign ads and faced heightened threats during the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, where her office was specifically targeted.
Her relationship with former President Donald Trump has defined much of her later career. Known for her fierce opposition to his policies, Pelosi’s notable moments include tearing up his State of the Union address in 2020 and leading the House inquiry that resulted in his first impeachment. In her recent remarks about Trump, she described him as “the worst thing on the face of the Earth” while emphasizing her commitment to continuing the fight against his agenda.
Beyond her political achievements, Pelosi has established herself as a formidable fundraiser and strategist, reportedly raising over $1.25 billion for the Democratic Party since assuming leadership. Her influence was notable during the 2008 financial crisis, where she played a crucial role in passing the Troubled Assets Relief Program.
Pelosi’s departure comes at a time of significant political change in California, following the recent passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein and Vice President Kamala Harris’s exit from the White House. Her legacy includes pivotal local achievements, such as transforming the Presidio into a national park and securing funding for public transit systems.
As Pelosi prepares to conclude her term on January 3, 2027, the race to fill her seat is expected to reflect broader debates within the Democratic Party regarding its future direction. San Francisco voters will soon face a choice between a candidate with extensive legislative experience and those advocating for transformative change.
In her parting message, Pelosi urged San Franciscans to recognize their power and continue engaging in democracy: “We have made history. We have made progress. We have always led the way—and now we must continue to do so.”
