Nancy Pelosi has announced her retirement from Congress, ending a decades-long career that saw the California Democrat become one of the most powerful figures in US politics.
In a video message on Thursday, Pelosi said she will not be seeking re-election to Congress at the end of her term in January 2027.
It marks the end of a storied political career: Pelosi, 85, became the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House and led her party in the lower chamber of Congress from 2003 until 2023.
We have made history, we have made progress, Pelosi said in her message.
We have always led the way, and now we must continue to do so by remaining full participants in our democracy, and fighting for the American ideals we hold dear, she added.
Pelosi was first elected to Congress to represent San Francisco in 1987 at the age of 47. She was elected by her party to be Speaker of the House in 2007, becoming the first woman to serve in that role. After stepping down in 2011, she returned to the Speaker's chair from 2019 to 2023.
She played a pivotal role in advancing significant legislative measures, including during the presidencies of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and directly challenged Donald Trump throughout his presidency.
Pelosi was a key figure in the two impeachment efforts against Trump, and when asked about her retirement, Trump described her as an evil woman but acknowledged her decision as a service to the country.
Despite her retirement, Pelosi maintains influence in California politics and has recently played a critical role in state redistricting efforts aimed at benefiting the Democratic Party.
