Washington: Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve as speaker of the US House of Representatives, announced Thursday that she will not seek re-election to Congress in 2026. This decision marks the end of a four-decade-long career for the Democratic leader, who has often been a target of criticism from the right.
According to Thai News Agency, Pelosi, 85, made her announcement shortly after California voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 50, a state redistricting effort intended to help Democrats flip five House seats in the upcoming midterm elections. Pelosi expressed her gratitude in a video posted on social media, stating she was "deeply grateful" and looking forward to her final year in public service.
Throughout her career, Pelosi has been a key figure in the struggle for control over the House of Representatives, notably clashing with Republican President Donald Trump during his first term from 2017 to 2021. Their confrontations included two impeachment attempts by Pelosi, which ultimately resulted in Trump's acquittal by Republican senators.
In response to Pelosi's announcement, Trump commented from the Oval Office, expressing his belief that Pelosi had been a burden on the country. He criticized her job performance and accused her of damaging reputations.
Pelosi's retirement comes amid growing frustration among younger Democrats over the lack of succession planning by senior party members. This sentiment was evident in 2024, when then 81-year-old President Joe Biden had a poor debate performance against Trump and subsequently withdrew from the presidential race, partially due to pressure from Pelosi and other Democrats.
The tension between Pelosi and Trump was notably visible during the 2020 State of the Union address, where Trump refused to shake her hand, leading Pelosi to tear up his speech in protest, labeling it as filled with "lies."
As Pelosi prepares to leave the national political stage at the end of her 20th term in 2026, Democrats will lose one of their most prominent liberal figures during a period of internal party challenges. However, her departure is not expected to influence the leadership race following the November 2026 midterm elections, where Democrats aim to regain control of the House of Representatives from the Republicans.