Pelosi to retire from Congress in 2026 after 40 years

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker and a Democratic fixture in San Francisco politics, announced on Thursday that she will not seek reelection in 2026, ending nearly 40 years in Congress. In a roughly six minute video posted to social media, Pelosi said, "I will not be seeking reelection to Congress," and added, "With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service," telling constituents she wanted them to be the first to know.

Pelosi, 85, was first elected in a 1987 special election and went on to serve as House minority whip, minority leader and speaker, holding the speakership from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. She stepped down from House leadership in 2023 but retained her seat. Her legislative record includes roles in passage of the Affordable Care Act, major economic recovery and pandemic relief bills, and other significant measures ranging from infrastructure to financial regulation.

The timing of the announcement followed a period of intense speculation about her plans and came two days after California voters approved Proposition 50, a state redistricting measure that allows the legislature to redraw congressional maps. Several...