'My final year of service': Nancy Pelosi says she won't seek re-election to Congress - video

Former US House speaker and Democrat Nancy Pelosi announced on Thursday that she will not seek re-election, bringing an end to four decades of her career. Pelosi, 85, has represented San Francisco and was the first woman to serve as speaker of the House.

In a video address shared on her social media account, Pelosi said she would complete her current term but not contest the next election. “I will not be seeking re-election to Congress. My message to the city I love is this: San Francisco, know your power. We have made history and progress, and we must continue to lead the way.”

Thank you, San Francisco. pic.twitter.com/OP8ubeFzR6

— Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) November 6, 2025

The announcement comes just two days after one of her major political wins in recent years, the approval of a California ballot measure that reshapes the state’s congressional map to give Democrats an edge in the 2026 midterm elections.

Pelosi's leadership defined key political eras, from steering major legislation under president Barack Obama to leading two impeachments of Donald Trump. She also set up the House committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol attack when Trump supporters stormed the building.

Earlier, it was reported that Pelosi would announce her exit soon, but she herself hinted that no decision would come soon. “Here’s the thing: We must win the House. If you talk about ‘no kings,’ we must win the House to put a stop to this. We won’t be able to get many things done, but we’ll be able to stop a lot of the poison that he’s putting there,” she said, referring to Donald Trump.

First elected in 1987, Pelosi rose from California’s Democratic Party ranks to become one of the most powerful figures in American governance.