After nearly four decades in Congress, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is reportedly preparing to step away from politics — marking the end of one of the most influential careers in modern American history.
According to multiple Democratic sources cited by NBC News, Pelosi, 85, does not plan to seek reelection in 2026, with a formal announcement expected shortly after Tuesday’s midterm elections. The decision, long anticipated inside party circles, signals a generational transition for Democrats as they prepare for life after Pelosi’s leadership.
Pelosi has served her San Francisco district since 1987, rising to become the first woman Speaker of the House and one of the most powerful figures in U.S. politics. Over two separate tenures as Speaker, she played a central role in shaping Democratic priorities — from passing the Affordable Care Act under President Obama to steering major legislative battles during the Trump and Biden administrations.
Speculation about her retirement has been growing for months.
Despite commanding a multimillion-dollar campaign war chest, Pelosi has notably not discouraged potential Democratic challengers, including state Sen. Scott Wiener and former tech executive Saikat Chakrabarti, signaling that she may be ready to hand over the reins.
Colleagues say she’s hinted at her plans in private conversations. At a recent fundraiser, Pelosi reportedly joked that she hopes to witness Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries being sworn in as the nation’s first Black Speaker of the House — “if she’s still allowed on the floor.”
Pelosi’s spokesperson, Ian Krager, declined to confirm any retirement decision, emphasizing that the congresswoman is still “fully focused” on her current legislative priorities — especially Proposition 50, a California ballot measure on redistricting that Democrats view as crucial to reclaiming the House majority in 2026.
In an interview with the San Francisco Examiner, Pelosi underscored that commitment, calling Prop 50 “the best antidote to poison.” The remark was widely interpreted as a swipe at Republican-led redistricting efforts in states like Texas and Florida, which Democrats argue have undermined fair representation.
If Pelosi does step down, it will mark the end of a defining era in Democratic politics — one shaped by her strategic skill, sharp discipline, and unrelenting focus on winning votes in a deeply divided Congress.
Her departure would open the door for a new generation of leadership — one that Pelosi herself has long said must be ready to “carry the torch forward.”
Whether she makes the announcement this week or later, one thing is certain:
Nancy Pelosi’s impact on American politics will echo far beyond her final term.