On November 6, 2025, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to lead the U.S. House of Representatives and the longest-serving House Democratic Leader in history, announced she will not seek reelection, closing the chapter on a 38-year congressional career that fundamentally transformed American politics. Pelosi, who has represented California’s 11th Congressional District—encompassing most of San Francisco—since 1987, will serve out her current term before stepping down in January 2027. Her decision, delivered in a heartfelt video message to her constituents, ends months of speculation and ushers in a new era for both her district and the Democratic Party.
"Together, with a grateful heart, we have made history," Pelosi said in her announcement, as reported by The Center Square. "I will serve out this term with gratitude and purpose, and as always, know your power." She added, "We have made history. We have made progress. 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." Her words, a blend of reflection and rallying cry, resonated deeply with supporters in San Francisco and beyond.
Pelosi’s journey to the pinnacle of American legislative power began in Baltimore, where she was born into a political family—her father served as the city’s mayor and as a Democratic congressman. After graduating from Trinity College in Washington, D.C., she moved to San Francisco in 1969. Her entry into Congress came in 1987, when she won a special election to succeed the late Rep. Sala Burton. Since then, Pelosi has won 20 consecutive terms, serving under five U.S. presidents and wielding the Speaker’s gavel twice: from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023, according to the U.S. House Historian.
Throughout her tenure, Pelosi’s leadership style was marked by discipline, strategic acumen, and an ability to unify her caucus during turbulent times. She often credited her father’s example as the foundation of her public service ethos. Her legislative legacy is formidable. She was instrumental in shepherding the Affordable Care Act—commonly known as Obamacare—through the House in 2010, a landmark achievement in American healthcare policy. As Speaker during the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a crucial role in passing the American Rescue Plan in 2021, a sweeping relief package aimed at supporting families, businesses, and the broader economy.
Pelosi’s influence extended beyond domestic policy. She championed long-term investments in clean energy, infrastructure, and technological innovation, and she presided over two impeachment proceedings against former President Donald Trump. She also supported investigations into the January 6 Capitol attack, underscoring her commitment to government oversight and accountability. As The Center Square noted, Pelosi “was no stranger to the halls of Congress or Washington when she took office nearly 40 years ago.”
Her retirement represents a generational shift not only for California politics but for the Democratic Party as a whole. Pelosi was a trailblazer for women in government, expanding their presence and promoting diversity in leadership roles. She helped strengthen the role of Congress in national policymaking, and the systems she helped build—centered on accountability and results—are expected to shape the institution for years to come.
The announcement has set off a flurry of activity in San Francisco’s political circles. Pelosi’s seat, considered a Democratic stronghold, is now one of the most coveted in the country. The race to succeed her is already heating up, with several prominent figures either declaring their candidacy or expressing interest.
Saikat Chakrabarti, a software engineer and tech millionaire who gained prominence as the founding engineer at Stripe and as a former chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, launched his campaign to unseat Pelosi back in February 2025. Chakrabarti, who helped author the Green New Deal and played a key role in the Justice Democrats movement, has called for a bold, progressive overhaul of the Democratic Party. "I think it’s a continuation of her leadership, to actually step down from power," Chakrabarti told CNN, praising Pelosi’s decision. "It’s a very rare act of leadership in Washington, DC." He acknowledged the challenges of running in a city as politically complex as San Francisco, saying, "In San Francisco, I guess I’m in the center somewhere, and I hope that means the majority of the city is with me."
Another major contender is California State Senator Scott Wiener, who has represented much of San Francisco in the state legislature since 2016. Wiener, known for his advocacy on housing policy and LGBTQ rights, jumped into the race in October 2025, motivated by the presence of a well-funded opponent and the looming filing deadline. His campaign reported raising over $730,000 on launch day, a testament to his organizational strength and appeal. "I never wanted to run against Nancy Pelosi. I have enormous respect for her – I think she walks on water," Wiener told CNN. "But there are limits to how long you can wait. At some point, you need to get into the race and start making the case to the voters."
Other potential candidates are waiting in the wings. San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, who has worked closely with Pelosi on redistricting efforts, is seen as a possible contender who could attract support from progressives and labor leaders. "This moment is about thanking Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi for her legendary public service, and honoring her and her family for their extraordinary commitment to San Francisco and to bettering our entire country," Chan said in a statement. Former San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who led the city from 2018 to 2025, has also signaled interest. "It’s important that San Franciscans have options," Breed told Politico. "I want to explore whether I could potentially be one of those options."
Speculation also swirls around Christine Pelosi, Nancy Pelosi’s daughter and a prominent lawyer, though no official announcement has been made. Political strategist Dan Newman remarked, “If Nancy picked somebody off the street, then that gives them a little bit of instant credibility.” Whoever ultimately receives Pelosi’s endorsement could gain a significant advantage in the race.
The Democratic primary is expected to be fiercely contested, with the official filing period opening in early 2026. Pelosi, who won reelection in 2024 with a commanding 81% of the vote, has not endorsed any candidate, leaving the field wide open for a new generation of leaders to step forward. As Jane Kim, California director for the Working Families Party, observed, "We’re really seeking authentic and courageous leadership for working families across the country, and San Francisco deserves no less. It is a generational chance for a bold new voice in Congress for the city by the bay, and we look forward to a robust endorsement process."
As Pelosi prepares to leave the stage, her legacy as a trailblazer, master legislator, and unifying force in American politics is secure. The race to fill her seat is just beginning, but the systems, standards, and spirit she brought to Congress will continue to shape its future for years to come.
