Nancy Pelosi: Difference between revisions

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| occupation = Politician
| occupation = Politician
| known_for = First woman to serve as [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]]
| known_for = First woman to serve as [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]]
| education = [[Trinity Washington University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]])
| spouse = [[Paul Pelosi]] (m. 1963)
| spouse = {{marriage|Paul Pelosi|1963}}
| children = 5
| children = 5
| education = [[Trinity Washington University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]], 1962)
| awards = Presidential Medal of Freedom (2024)
| awards = Presidential Medal of Freedom (2024)
| office = 52nd [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]]
}}
}}


'''Nancy Patricia Pelosi''' (née '''D'Alesandro'''; born March 26, 1940) is an American politician who served as the 52nd [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]] from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. A member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]], Pelosi was the first woman elected to the speakership and the first woman to lead a major political party in either chamber of the [[United States Congress]]. She represented [[California]]'s 11th congressional district, encompassing most of [[San Francisco]], for over three decades beginning in 1987, and served as the leader of the House Democratic Caucus from 2003 to 2023—a tenure of 20 years that is tied with [[Joe Martin (politician)|Joe Martin]]'s record as the second-longest stint as a House party leader, after [[Sam Rayburn]]. Born into a prominent Baltimore political family and raised in the traditions of Democratic organizing, Pelosi moved to San Francisco with her husband, businessman [[Paul Pelosi]], where she began her political career as a party volunteer before winning a special election to the House. Over the course of her career, she steered passage of major legislation including the [[Affordable Care Act]], the [[Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act]], the [[American Rescue Plan Act of 2021]], and the [[Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act]]. In early 2026, Pelosi announced her plans to retire from Congress, prompting tributes from Democratic officials at the California Democratic Party convention in San Francisco.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Nancy Pelosi-palooza: Democrats praise lawmaker's career at California convention |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/23/nancy-pelosi-california-democratic-convention |work=The Guardian |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
'''Nancy Patricia Pelosi''' (née '''D'Alesandro'''; born March 26, 1940) is an American politician who served as the 52nd [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]] from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. A member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]], she made history as the first woman to hold the speakership and the first woman to lead a major political party in either chamber of the [[United States Congress]]. Born into a politically prominent Baltimore family — her father, [[Thomas D'Alesandro Jr.]], served in Congress and as mayor of Baltimore — Pelosi moved to San Francisco with her husband, businessman [[Paul Pelosi]], and raised five children before entering electoral politics. She has represented California's congressional district encompassing most of San Francisco since winning a special election in 1987 and is currently in her 20th term. During her tenure as the leader of the House Democratic Caucus from 2003 to 2023 — a span of 20 years tied with [[Joe Martin (politician)|Joe Martin]] as the second-longest after [[Sam Rayburn]] — Pelosi oversaw the passage of major legislation under three presidential administrations and guided her party through some of the most consequential political episodes in modern American history, including two impeachments of President [[Donald Trump]]. In February 2026, as Pelosi prepared for retirement, Democratic officials at the California Democratic Party convention in San Francisco celebrated her career and advocacy.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Nancy Pelosi-palooza: Democrats praise lawmaker's career at California convention |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/23/nancy-pelosi-california-democratic-convention |work=The Guardian |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Nancy Patricia D'Alesandro was born on March 26, 1940, in [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]], the youngest of six children and the only daughter of Thomas D'Alesandro Jr. and Annunciata M. "Nancy" D'Alesandro (née Lombardi). Her family was of [[Italian Americans|Italian American]] heritage, and politics was central to the household. Her father, [[Thomas D'Alesandro Jr.]], served as a [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. Representative]] from Maryland's 3rd congressional district from 1939 to 1947 and subsequently as [[Mayor of Baltimore]] from 1947 to 1959. Her brother, [[Thomas D'Alesandro III]], also served as Mayor of Baltimore from 1967 to 1971.
Nancy Patricia D'Alesandro was born on March 26, 1940, in [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]], into a family deeply embedded in Democratic politics. Her father, [[Thomas D'Alesandro Jr.]], served as a member of the [[United States House of Representatives]] representing Maryland before becoming the mayor of Baltimore, a position he held for twelve years. Growing up in Baltimore's [[Little Italy, Baltimore|Little Italy]] neighborhood, Pelosi was immersed in the mechanics of constituent service and party organizing from a young age. Her family's home frequently served as a hub for Democratic political activity, and her father maintained a "favor file" documenting the assistance his office provided to constituents — a formative experience that introduced the young Nancy to the transactional nature of political life and the importance of building personal relationships.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nancy Pelosi |url=http://beta.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/assessment/2002/11/nancy_pelosi.html |publisher=Slate |date=2002-11 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Growing up in Baltimore's [[Little Italy, Baltimore|Little Italy]] neighborhood, Pelosi was immersed in the workings of Democratic politics from a young age. The D'Alesandro household frequently served as a hub for constituent services, and the young Nancy learned the mechanics of political organizing, voter outreach, and coalition building by observing her father's operations. She attended the [[Institute of Notre Dame]], a Catholic all-girls high school in Baltimore, where she developed interests in political affairs and public service.
Pelosi was one of six children in the D'Alesandro family and the only girl, with five older brothers. Her brother, [[Thomas D'Alesandro III]], also pursued a career in politics and later served as mayor of Baltimore, continuing the family's political dynasty. The D'Alesandro household was Catholic and Italian-American, and the values of community engagement, public service, and loyalty that characterized her upbringing would shape Pelosi's approach to politics throughout her career.


The family's deep roots in the Democratic Party and in Baltimore's Italian American community shaped Pelosi's understanding of the role of grassroots organizing in electoral politics. Her father's career demonstrated the possibilities of political life for the children of immigrants, and these formative experiences would later inform her approach to party leadership and legislative strategy in Congress.
Pelosi attended the [[Institute of Notre Dame]], a Catholic all-girls high school in Baltimore. Even during her school years, she showed an interest in politics, attending the 1960 inauguration of President [[John F. Kennedy]] as a college student. The combination of her family's political legacy and her Catholic education instilled in her both a pragmatic understanding of the political process and a moral framework rooted in social justice teachings.


== Education ==
== Education ==


Pelosi enrolled at [[Trinity Washington University|Trinity College]] (now Trinity Washington University), a Catholic women's college in [[Washington, D.C.]], where she studied political science. She graduated with a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree in 1962. While attending Trinity, Pelosi had the opportunity to observe the workings of the federal government firsthand given the college's proximity to [[Capitol Hill]] and the broader Washington political establishment. During her time as a student, she attended the [[1961 inauguration of John F. Kennedy]], an event that reinforced her commitment to public service and the Democratic Party.
Pelosi enrolled at [[Trinity Washington University|Trinity College]] in Washington, D.C. (now Trinity Washington University), a Catholic women's college. She graduated with a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree in political science in 1962. Her time in Washington during her college years allowed her to observe national politics firsthand, further deepening her interest in public life. While attending Trinity, she interned for Senator [[Daniel Brewster]] of Maryland, gaining early experience in the operations of a congressional office.
 
In 1963, one year after graduating from college, Nancy D'Alesandro married Paul Frank Pelosi, a native of San Francisco who had come to the East Coast to attend Georgetown University. The couple initially settled in [[New York City]] before relocating to San Francisco, where Paul Pelosi pursued a career in real estate and venture capital investing. The move to California would prove pivotal, as it placed Nancy Pelosi in the milieu of San Francisco's progressive Democratic politics.


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== Early Political Involvement ===
=== Early Political Involvement ===


After graduating from Trinity College, Pelosi married Paul Pelosi in 1963. The couple initially lived in [[New York City]] before relocating to [[San Francisco]], California, where Paul Pelosi pursued a career in business and real estate investment. During the late 1960s and 1970s, Pelosi focused primarily on raising the couple's five children while simultaneously becoming involved in Democratic Party politics as a volunteer and organizer in the San Francisco area.
After moving to San Francisco, Pelosi focused primarily on raising the couple's five children during the 1960s and 1970s. However, she remained active in Democratic Party politics as a volunteer and organizer. She began hosting fundraisers and working on local and state Democratic campaigns, steadily building a network of relationships within the party. Her organizational skills and fundraising abilities drew attention from party leaders, and she advanced through a series of party positions.


Pelosi's organizational abilities and growing network within the California Democratic Party led to a series of increasingly prominent roles within the party apparatus. She served as a member of the [[Democratic National Committee]] and worked her way through party ranks in California. Her efforts culminated in her election as chair of the [[California Democratic Party]], a position that gave her statewide influence and visibility. During this period, she also served as finance chair of the [[Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee]], demonstrating her fundraising acumen—a skill that would become one of her defining attributes as a political leader.
Pelosi served as a Democratic Party organizer in California and was elected chair of the [[California Democratic Party]] in 1981, a position she held until 1983. Her work at the state party level gave her significant influence within California's Democratic establishment. In 1984, she served as chair of the Host Committee for the [[1984 Democratic National Convention]], held in San Francisco, further raising her profile.<ref>{{cite web |title=Democrats Announce 2008 Convention Chairs |url=http://www.demconvention.com/democrats-announce-2008-convention-chairs-2/ |publisher=Democratic National Convention Committee |date= |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> She also served on the [[Democratic National Committee]] and as finance chair of the [[Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee]].


=== Election to Congress ===
=== Election to Congress ===


In 1987, U.S. Representative [[Sala Burton]], who represented California's 5th congressional district (later redistricted as the 8th and then 11th district), fell terminally ill. Burton endorsed Pelosi as her successor before her death. Pelosi won the subsequent special election on April 7, 1987, defeating San Francisco Supervisor [[Harry Britt]] in the Democratic primary and going on to win the general election. She took office at the age of 47, beginning what would become one of the longest and most consequential congressional careers in modern American history.
In 1987, Representative [[Sala Burton]], who held California's 5th congressional district seat encompassing much of San Francisco, was terminally ill with cancer. Before her death, Burton endorsed Pelosi as her successor. In the special election held on June 2, 1987, to fill Burton's seat, Pelosi won a competitive primary and then the general election. She was 47 years old when she took office — relatively late for a first-term member of Congress, but her extensive party experience and network meant she arrived in Washington with a level of political sophistication and connections that most freshmen lacked.


From the outset, Pelosi represented a district that encompassed much of San Francisco, one of the most liberal constituencies in the United States. Her voting record reflected the progressive values of her district on issues including environmental protection, civil liberties, and social welfare programs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nancy Pelosi – Voting Record |url=http://www.vote-smart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=H0222103 |publisher=Vote Smart |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> She was reelected consistently by wide margins in every subsequent election cycle, eventually serving in her 20th term and becoming the dean of California's congressional delegation.
Pelosi represented various iterations of San Francisco-based districts as redistricting altered the boundaries over the decades. As of her most recent terms, she has represented California's 11th congressional district, which includes most of San Francisco. She is the dean of California's congressional delegation, the longest-serving member of the state's House contingent.


=== Rise Through House Democratic Leadership ===
=== Rise Through Democratic Leadership ===


Pelosi's ascent through the ranks of the House Democratic Caucus was steady and strategic. In 2001, she was elected [[Minority Whip of the United States House of Representatives|House Minority Whip]], the second-highest position in the Democratic caucus, defeating [[Steny Hoyer]] in a competitive internal election. When House Minority Leader [[Dick Gephardt]] stepped down after the 2002 midterm elections, Pelosi was elevated to [[House Minority Leader]] on January 3, 2003, becoming the first woman to lead a major party in either chamber of Congress.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nichols |first=John |title=Nancy Pelosi |url=http://www.thenation.com/doc/20010806/nichols2/2 |work=The Nation |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Nancy Pelosi |url=http://beta.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/assessment/2002/11/nancy_pelosi.html |work=Slate |date=2002-11 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Over her first decade and a half in Congress, Pelosi built a reputation as an effective vote counter, coalition builder, and fundraiser. These skills propelled her through the ranks of the House Democratic Caucus. In 2001, she was elected [[Minority Whip of the United States House of Representatives|House Minority Whip]], the second-highest position in the Democratic caucus, defeating Representative [[Steny Hoyer]] of Maryland.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nancy Pelosi |url=http://www.thenation.com/doc/20010806/nichols2/2 |publisher=The Nation |date=2001-08-06 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> This marked the first time a woman had held such a senior leadership position in either party in Congress.


As Minority Leader, Pelosi worked to unify the Democratic caucus and position the party to compete for the House majority. She proved to be a formidable fundraiser and a disciplined strategist, maintaining party cohesion on key votes and recruiting candidates for competitive districts.
When House Minority Leader [[Dick Gephardt]] stepped down in 2002, Pelosi was elected as his successor, becoming the first woman to lead a major party in Congress. As minority leader, she worked to unify her caucus and position the party to compete for a House majority. Her tenure as leader of the House Democratic Caucus from January 3, 2003, to January 3, 2023, spanned 20 years, making it tied with Joe Martin's service as the second-longest tenure as a House party leader, behind only Sam Rayburn.


=== First Speakership (2007–2011) ===
=== First Speakership (2007–2011) ===


The [[2006 United States elections|2006 midterm elections]] proved to be a watershed moment for the Democratic Party and for Pelosi personally. Running on widespread public dissatisfaction with the [[Iraq War]] and the [[George W. Bush|Bush administration]], Democrats won a net gain of 30 seats in the House, reclaiming the majority for the first time in 12 years. On January 4, 2007, Pelosi was elected [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]], succeeding Republican [[Dennis Hastert]] and becoming the first woman to hold the position—placing her second in the [[presidential line of succession]], the highest position in the U.S. government ever held by a woman at that time.<ref>{{cite news |title=Democrats take control of Congress |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070106022356/http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/01/04/congress.rdp/index.html |work=CNN |date=2007-01-04 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Woman of the House |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1376213-2,00.html |work=Time |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In the [[2006 United States elections|2006 midterm elections]], Pelosi led the Democratic Party to a net gain of 30 seats in the House, giving Democrats the majority for the first time in 12 years. On January 4, 2007, the House elected Pelosi as the 52nd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, making her the first woman in American history to hold the position.<ref>{{cite news |date=2007-01-04 |title=Pelosi takes helm as first female House Speaker |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070106022356/http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/01/04/congress.rdp/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> As Speaker, she was second in the [[United States presidential line of succession|presidential line of succession]], behind only the [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]], making her the highest-ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government at that time.


During her first term as Speaker, Pelosi established herself as one of the most active and influential speakers in modern history. She was a prominent opponent of the [[Iraq War]] and clashed with the Bush administration on military policy and foreign affairs. She also led the opposition to the administration's efforts to partially privatize [[Social Security (United States)|Social Security]], a stance that resonated with the Democratic base and older voters concerned about retirement security.<ref>{{cite news |title=San Francisco: Anti-war activists take Pelosi to task |url=http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/SAN-FRANCISCO-Anti-war-activists-take-Pelosi-to-2524112.php |work=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
During her first speakership, Pelosi emerged as a major opponent of the [[Iraq War]] and clashed with the [[George W. Bush administration]] on multiple policy fronts. She opposed the Bush administration's efforts to partially privatize [[Social Security (United States)|Social Security]], helping to block the proposal from advancing in Congress.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nancy Pelosi |url=http://beta.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/assessment/2002/11/nancy_pelosi.html |publisher=Slate |date=2002-11 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Anti-war activists in San Francisco at times protested outside Pelosi's home, pressing her to take stronger action against the war.<ref>{{cite news |title=SAN FRANCISCO: Anti-war activists take Pelosi to task |url=http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/SAN-FRANCISCO-Anti-war-activists-take-Pelosi-to-2524112.php |work=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Pelosi's first speakership coincided with the election of President [[Barack Obama]] in 2008, and she played a central role in advancing the new administration's legislative agenda. Among the major bills she helped shepherd through the House were:
Pelosi also navigated foreign policy controversies during this period. In 2007, she drew attention and criticism for her visit to [[Syria]], where she met with President [[Bashar al-Assad]], a trip the Bush administration characterized as inappropriate interference with executive branch foreign policy prerogatives.<ref>{{cite web |title=US House Speaker Pelosi Meets With Syrian President Assad |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013022525/http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-10-11-voa71.cfm |publisher=Voice of America |date=2007-10-11 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> She also played a role in debates over the proposed congressional resolution recognizing the [[Armenian genocide]], which created diplomatic tensions with Turkey.<ref>{{cite news |date=2007-10-25 |title=Pelosi keeps Armenian genocide resolution alive |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/10/25/us.turkey/ |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


* The '''[[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]]''', a $787 billion economic stimulus package designed to combat the effects of the [[Great Recession]].
Following the election of President [[Barack Obama]] in 2008, Pelosi's speakership became a vehicle for enacting a series of major pieces of legislation. She played a central role in passing the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]], the economic stimulus package designed to address the [[Great Recession]]. She then marshaled the House Democratic caucus through the lengthy and politically fraught process of passing the [[Affordable Care Act]] (ACA) in 2010, which extended health insurance coverage to millions of Americans. Her ability to hold together a diverse caucus — spanning progressive and moderate Democrats — to pass the ACA is considered one of her most significant legislative accomplishments. She also helped shepherd the [[Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act]], the [[Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010|Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act]], and the 2010 Tax Relief Act through the House.
* The '''[[Affordable Care Act]]''' (ACA), the landmark health care reform law signed in March 2010, which extended insurance coverage to millions of Americans and reformed insurance industry practices. Pelosi's role in whipping votes and maintaining caucus discipline was instrumental in the bill's narrow passage.
* The '''[[Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act]]''', which imposed sweeping new regulations on the financial industry in response to the [[financial crisis of 2007–2008|2008 financial crisis]].
* The '''[[Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010]]''', which ended the military's ban on openly gay and lesbian service members.
* The '''[[Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010]]'''.


Pelosi's ability to pass the Affordable Care Act was considered one of her signature achievements as Speaker. The legislation faced intense opposition from Republicans and skepticism from some moderate Democrats, and its passage required sustained lobbying, negotiation, and procedural maneuvering.
Pelosi lost the speakership after the [[2010 United States elections|2010 midterm elections]], in which the Republican Party gained 63 seats and reclaimed the House majority. She chose to remain as the leader of the House Democrats and was elected House Minority Leader in January 2011.
 
The Democratic majority was short-lived, however. In the [[2010 United States elections|2010 midterm elections]], Republicans won a net gain of 63 seats in the House, reclaiming the majority in what President Obama described as a "shellacking." Pelosi lost the speakership to Republican [[John Boehner]] but chose to remain as leader of the House Democratic Caucus, taking on the role of [[House Minority Leader]] once again.


=== Minority Leader (2011–2019) ===
=== Minority Leader (2011–2019) ===


From 2011 to 2019, Pelosi served as House Minority Leader, with [[Steny Hoyer]] as her whip. During this period, she led the Democratic opposition to Republican legislative initiatives, including efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and proposals to restructure entitlement programs. Despite periodic challenges to her leadership from younger members of the caucus seeking generational change, Pelosi retained her position through a combination of fundraising prowess, institutional knowledge, and strategic skill.
During her second stint as Minority Leader, from 2011 to 2019, Pelosi led the Democratic caucus in opposition to Republican Speakers [[John Boehner]] and [[Paul Ryan]]. She worked to maintain party unity and used her position to block or negotiate modifications to Republican legislative proposals. Her fundraising prowess remained a significant asset for the party; she raised hundreds of millions of dollars for Democratic candidates over the course of her leadership career.


Throughout her tenure as Minority Leader, Pelosi continued to be one of the most prolific fundraisers in American politics, raising hundreds of millions of dollars for Democratic candidates and committees. Her capacity to generate campaign funds gave her considerable influence over the composition and direction of the Democratic caucus.
During this period, Pelosi addressed controversies surrounding members of Congress and stock trading. In 2011, a [[CBS News]] ''[[60 Minutes]]'' report raised questions about whether members of Congress, including Pelosi, had benefited from stock trades related to information gained through their official duties. Pelosi's office described the report as a "smear."<ref>{{cite news |title=Pelosi aide calls '60 Minutes' report a smear |url=http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Pelosi-aide-calls-60-Minutes-report-a-smear-2289515.php |work=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In 2012, Pelosi supported the passage of the [[STOCK Act]], which prohibited insider trading by members of Congress and required greater disclosure of financial transactions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pelosi Statement on Senate Passage of STOCK Act |url=http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-senate-passage-of-stock-act |publisher=Office of Nancy Pelosi |date= |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pelosi Statement on Senate Passage of STOCK Act |url=http://www.democraticleader.gov/news/press/pelosi-statement-senate-passage-stock-act |publisher=Office of the Democratic Leader |date= |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Questions about the Pelosi family's stock trading have continued to attract media attention. In February 2026, financial media reported on the stock holdings in Pelosi's disclosure filings, noting overlaps between her portfolio and those of prominent investors.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-20 |title=Nancy Pelosi, Brad Gerstner Pile Into The Same 5 Stocks — What Do They See Coming? |url=https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/02/50755330/nancy-pelosi-brad-gerstner-pile-into-the-same-5-stocks-what-do-they-see-coming |work=Benzinga |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
Pelosi also served as chair of the [[2008 Democratic National Convention]] in [[Denver]], [[Colorado]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Democrats Announce 2008 Convention Chairs |url=http://www.demconvention.com/democrats-announce-2008-convention-chairs-2/ |publisher=Democratic National Convention Committee |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


=== Second Speakership (2019–2023) ===
=== Second Speakership (2019–2023) ===


In the [[2018 United States elections|2018 midterm elections]], Democrats regained control of the House, winning a net gain of 40 seats. Pelosi was elected Speaker for the second time on January 3, 2019, succeeding Republican [[Paul Ryan]]. This made her the first former Speaker to reclaim the gavel since [[Sam Rayburn]] in 1955.
In the [[2018 United States elections|2018 midterm elections]], Democrats gained 40 seats to regain control of the House. On January 3, 2019, Pelosi was elected Speaker for a second time, becoming the first former Speaker to reclaim the gavel since [[Sam Rayburn]] in 1955. Her predecessor as Speaker was Republican [[Paul Ryan]], and her successor after the second term would be Republican [[Kevin McCarthy]].


Pelosi's second speakership was defined in large part by her contentious relationship with President [[Donald Trump]]. In December 2019, the House voted to [[First impeachment of Donald Trump|impeach President Trump]] on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to his dealings with [[Ukraine]]. The [[United States Senate|Senate]] acquitted Trump in February 2020, as the body did not reach the two-thirds majority required for conviction. Following the [[January 6 United States Capitol attack|January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol]], the House voted to [[Second impeachment of Donald Trump|impeach Trump a second time]], charging him with incitement of insurrection. The Senate again acquitted Trump.
Pelosi's second speakership was dominated by confrontation with the Trump administration. In December 2019, the House voted to impeach President [[Donald Trump]] on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to his interactions with the government of Ukraine. The [[Senate (United States)|Senate]] acquitted Trump in February 2020, as the proceedings failed to reach the two-thirds majority required for conviction. Following the [[January 6 United States Capitol attack|January 6, 2021, attack on the United States Capitol]], the House impeached Trump a second time, on a charge of incitement of insurrection, making him the first president in American history to be impeached twice. The Senate again acquitted Trump.


During the second speakership, Pelosi also presided over the House during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], which necessitated changes to legislative procedures and the passage of emergency relief legislation. Following the inauguration of President [[Joe Biden]] in January 2021, Pelosi worked with the new administration to advance a series of major legislative initiatives:
During the Biden administration, Pelosi contributed to the passage of several major pieces of legislation, including the [[American Rescue Plan Act of 2021]], the [[Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act]], the [[CHIPS and Science Act]], and the [[Inflation Reduction Act]]. These legislative achievements added to her record as one of the most productive Speakers in modern congressional history.


* The '''[[American Rescue Plan Act of 2021]]''', a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package.
=== Transition from Leadership and Retirement ===
* The '''[[Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act]]''', a bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill.
* The '''[[CHIPS and Science Act]]''', aimed at boosting domestic semiconductor manufacturing and scientific research.
* The '''[[Inflation Reduction Act of 2022]]''', addressing climate change, health care costs, and tax reform.


=== STOCK Act and Financial Disclosure Controversies ===
In November 2022, following the Democrats' loss of the House majority in the [[2022 United States elections|2022 midterm elections]], Pelosi announced that she would step down from the Democratic leadership, though she would continue to serve in Congress. She was succeeded as leader of the House Democratic Caucus by Representative [[Hakeem Jeffries]] of New York, the first African American to lead either party in Congress.


Pelosi's career was not without controversy. In 2011, a report by the television program ''60 Minutes'' raised questions about whether members of Congress, including Pelosi, had benefited from stock trades based on nonpublic information gained through their legislative positions. A Pelosi aide described the report as a "smear."<ref>{{cite news |title=Pelosi aide calls 60 Minutes report a 'smear' |url=http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Pelosi-aide-calls-60-Minutes-report-a-smear-2289515.php |work=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pelosi fires back at report on insider trading |url=http://news.ca.msn.com/top-stories/pelosi-fires-back-at-report-on-insider-trading |work=MSN News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Pelosi subsequently supported the passage of the [[STOCK Act]] in 2012, which prohibited members of Congress from trading on nonpublic information and required greater financial disclosure.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pelosi Statement on Senate Passage of STOCK Act |url=http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-senate-passage-of-stock-act |publisher=Office of Nancy Pelosi |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pelosi Statement on Senate Passage of STOCK Act |url=http://www.democraticleader.gov/news/press/pelosi-statement-senate-passage-stock-act |publisher=Office of the Democratic Leader |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Pelosi continued to serve in the House as Speaker Emerita and remained an influential figure within the party. By 2026, she had announced her intention to retire, prompting a race for her congressional seat. State Senator [[Scott Wiener]] emerged as a leading candidate to succeed her, winning the endorsement of the California Democratic Party at its February 2026 convention in San Francisco.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-22 |title=California Democratic Party backs Scott Wiener's campaign to succeed Nancy Pelosi |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/scott-wiener-democrats-nancy-pelosi-21360874.php |work=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-22 |title=A policy wonk who wants Nancy Pelosi's House seat is unafraid of a fight |url=https://apnews.com/article/california-scott-wiener-house-seat-gaza-2e98d345646f70b931402d90fcf2b1e7 |work=Associated Press News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> At the convention, Democratic officials celebrated Pelosi's career and advocacy in what media described as a tribute to the retiring lawmaker.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Nancy Pelosi-palooza: Democrats praise lawmaker's career at California convention |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/23/nancy-pelosi-california-democratic-convention |work=The Guardian |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


The issue of congressional stock trading continued to follow Pelosi throughout her career. Reports about the investment portfolio managed by her husband, Paul Pelosi, drew recurring public scrutiny. As of February 2026, financial news outlets continued to report on the Pelosi family's stock holdings and their overlap with other prominent investors.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-20 |title=Nancy Pelosi, Brad Gerstner Pile Into The Same 5 Stocks — What Do They See Coming? |url=https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/02/50755330/nancy-pelosi-brad-gerstner-pile-into-the-same-5-stocks-what-do-they-see-coming |work=Benzinga |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Even in preparing for retirement, Pelosi remained active in Democratic politics. In February 2026, she made a surprise endorsement in a Sacramento-area congressional race, a move that drew attention and deepened intraparty divisions in that contest.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-22 |title=Pelosi's surprise endorsement jolts Sacramento race, deepening Democratic rift |url=https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/article314792097.html |work=Sacramento Bee |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


=== Foreign Policy ===
== Personal Life ==


Pelosi was active on foreign policy matters throughout her career. As Speaker, she was involved in diplomatic engagements and took public positions on issues including relations with [[Turkey]], [[China]], and the [[Middle East]]. In 2007, she was involved in a diplomatic controversy regarding the [[Armenian genocide resolution]] in Congress, which strained relations between the United States and Turkey.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey recalls ambassador over Armenian genocide bill |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/10/25/us.turkey/ |work=CNN |date=2007-10-25 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Bush urges Congress to reject Armenian genocide resolution |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013022525/http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-10-11-voa71.cfm |work=Voice of America |date=2007-10-11 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey warns of consequences over Armenia vote |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKL1262442020071012 |work=Reuters |date=2007-10-12 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Nancy Pelosi married Paul Frank Pelosi in 1963. Paul Pelosi built a career as a businessman and investor in San Francisco, focusing on real estate and venture capital. The couple has five children: Nancy Corinne, Christine, Jacqueline, Paul Jr., and Alexandra. Alexandra Pelosi became a documentary filmmaker and journalist.


=== Retirement and Succession ===
The Pelosi family has maintained a home in the [[Pacific Heights, San Francisco|Pacific Heights]] neighborhood of San Francisco. Paul Pelosi's business activities and stock trades have attracted public scrutiny and media coverage, particularly regarding the question of whether his investment decisions could be influenced by his wife's access to legislative information.


In late 2022, following the Democratic loss of the House majority in the [[2022 United States elections|2022 midterm elections]], Pelosi announced that she would step down from her leadership role, though she would continue to serve as a rank-and-file member of Congress. [[Hakeem Jeffries]] of New York was elected as her successor as leader of the House Democratic Caucus, becoming the first Black American to lead a major party in either chamber.
On October 28, 2022, Paul Pelosi was attacked in the couple's San Francisco home by an intruder who had broken in seeking to confront the Speaker. Paul Pelosi was hospitalized with serious injuries, including a skull fracture. The attack drew widespread condemnation and heightened concerns about political violence and threats against public officials.


By early 2026, Pelosi indicated her intention to retire from Congress entirely. The California Democratic Party convention held in San Francisco in February 2026 featured extensive tributes to Pelosi's career and legislative accomplishments.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Nancy Pelosi-palooza: Democrats praise lawmaker's career at California convention |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/23/nancy-pelosi-california-democratic-convention |work=The Guardian |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The race to succeed her in Congress attracted multiple candidates, with California State Senator [[Scott Wiener]] emerging as a leading contender, winning the endorsement of the California Democratic Party.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-22 |title=California Democratic Party backs Scott Wiener's campaign to succeed Nancy Pelosi |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/scott-wiener-democrats-nancy-pelosi-21360874.php |work=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-22 |title=A policy wonk who wants Nancy Pelosi's House seat is unafraid of a fight |url=https://apnews.com/article/california-scott-wiener-house-seat-gaza-2e98d345646f70b931402d90fcf2b1e7 |work=Associated Press |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Pelosi is a practicing Catholic and has frequently cited her faith as an influence on her political views, particularly on issues related to poverty and social justice. Her Catholic identity has also placed her at the center of debates within the Church, as some Catholic leaders have criticized her support for abortion rights.
 
Even in the waning months of her congressional tenure, Pelosi remained active in party politics. In February 2026, she made a surprise endorsement in a Sacramento-area congressional race, a move that drew attention and deepened existing tensions within the California Democratic Party.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-22 |title=Pelosi's surprise endorsement jolts Sacramento race, deepening Democratic rift |url=https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/article314792097.html |work=Sacramento Bee |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
== Personal Life ==
 
Nancy Pelosi married Paul Francis Pelosi in 1963, shortly after her graduation from Trinity College. Paul Pelosi built a career as a businessman and investor in San Francisco, operating Financial Leasing Services, Inc., a real estate and venture capital firm. The couple has five children: Nancy Corinne, Christine, Jacqueline, Paul Jr., and Alexandra. Alexandra Pelosi became a documentary filmmaker and journalist.
 
The Pelosi family has resided in San Francisco's [[Pacific Heights, San Francisco|Pacific Heights]] neighborhood. Paul Pelosi's business dealings and investment activities have been the subject of public attention and media reporting throughout Nancy Pelosi's congressional career, particularly regarding the intersection of his stock trades and her legislative responsibilities.
 
On October 28, 2022, Paul Pelosi was attacked and seriously injured by an intruder at the couple's San Francisco home. The attack, which occurred in the weeks before the 2022 midterm elections, drew widespread condemnation from political figures of both parties.


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Pelosi's tenure as the first female Speaker of the House has been recognized as a milestone in American political history. Her election to the speakership in 2007 placed her second in the presidential line of succession, the highest position in the U.S. government held by a woman until Vice President [[Kamala Harris]] took office in January 2021.
Pelosi's ascension to the speakership in 2007 was itself a historic milestone, as she became the first woman to hold the position, which placed her second in the presidential line of succession. Until Vice President [[Kamala Harris]] took office in January 2021, Pelosi held the record as the highest-ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government's line of succession.


In 2024, President Biden awarded Pelosi the [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]], the nation's highest civilian honor.
''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine has profiled Pelosi on multiple occasions and included her on its lists of influential figures.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nancy Pelosi |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1376213-2,00.html |work=Time |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Her role in passing the Affordable Care Act, in particular, has been cited by historians and political analysts as a defining achievement of her speakership. Her ability to manage the diverse factions within the House Democratic Caucus — from progressive members to moderates representing swing districts — has been noted as a distinctive feature of her leadership style.


At the February 2026 California Democratic Party convention, party officials and elected leaders offered extensive praise for Pelosi's decades of service, citing her role in passing major legislation on health care, infrastructure, climate, and financial regulation.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Nancy Pelosi-palooza: Democrats praise lawmaker's career at California convention |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/23/nancy-pelosi-california-democratic-convention |work=The Guardian |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-22 |title=Nancy Pelosi, the race for governor and other California Democratic Party convention |url=https://www.kcra.com/article/california-democratic-convetion-nancy-pelosi-governor-race/70449057 |work=KCRA |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In 2024, President [[Joe Biden]] awarded Pelosi the [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]], the nation's highest civilian honor.


Pelosi has been the subject of numerous books, profiles, and documentary films. Her daughter Alexandra Pelosi directed several documentary projects touching on American political life. In media and political commentary, Pelosi has consistently been identified as one of the most powerful speakers in the history of the House, particularly for her ability to maintain caucus discipline and pass complex legislation with narrow majorities.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pelosi Out-Divas Britney Spears |url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/archive/Pelosi-Out-Divas-Britney-Spears.html |work=NBC Washington |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Media interest in Pelosi has extended well beyond traditional political coverage. At one point in 2009, Pelosi's name generated more internet search interest than pop star [[Britney Spears]], a measure of her prominence in the national conversation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pelosi Out-Divas Britney Spears |url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/archive/Pelosi-Out-Divas-Britney-Spears.html |publisher=NBC Washington |date= |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Nancy Pelosi's career in the U.S. House of Representatives spanned nearly four decades, during which she fundamentally altered the landscape of American legislative politics. As the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, she broke a barrier that had stood for more than two centuries in one of the most powerful offices in the U.S. government. Her 20-year tenure as leader of the House Democratic Caucus, from 2003 to 2023, placed her among the longest-serving congressional leaders in American history, tied with Joe Martin and second only to Sam Rayburn.
Nancy Pelosi's legacy in American politics is anchored in several distinct achievements. She was the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, breaking a barrier that had stood for the more than two centuries of the republic's existence. Her tenure as the leader of the House Democratic Caucus for 20 years made her one of the longest-serving party leaders in congressional history.
 
Legislatively, Pelosi's speakerships saw the passage of some of the most significant laws enacted in the early 21st century. During her first term as Speaker, the Affordable Care Act, the Dodd–Frank Act, the economic stimulus of 2009, and the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy all passed the House under her stewardship. During her second term, the American Rescue Plan, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act became law. This legislative record places her among the most productive Speakers in the history of the institution.


Her legislative record as Speaker includes some of the most significant domestic policy enactments of the early 21st century. The Affordable Care Act, which she guided through a fractious and closely divided House, expanded health insurance coverage to tens of millions of Americans. The Dodd–Frank Act restructured financial regulation in the aftermath of the 2008 economic crisis. During her second speakership, under the Biden administration, she helped deliver the largest infrastructure investment in decades, landmark climate legislation, and major investments in domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
Pelosi's role in the two impeachments of President Donald Trump marked another dimension of her legacy. She initially resisted calls from progressives within her caucus to pursue impeachment, opting to act only when she determined that the evidence and political circumstances warranted the step. Her decision to proceed, and her management of the process, reflected the strategic calculations that characterized her leadership.


Pelosi's leadership style was characterized by her command of legislative procedure, her capacity for vote-counting and coalition management, and her fundraising abilities. She also drew criticism from political opponents who viewed her as a polarizing figure, and her image was frequently used in Republican campaign advertising to mobilize conservative voters.
Her fundraising capacity reshaped expectations for congressional leaders. Pelosi raised hundreds of millions of dollars for Democratic candidates over her career, making the party leader's role as fundraiser-in-chief a central feature of the position.


As Pelosi prepared to leave Congress in 2026, the race to succeed her in California's 11th congressional district underscored the political legacy she had built in San Francisco and within the broader Democratic Party.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-22 |title=A policy wonk who wants Nancy Pelosi's House seat is unafraid of a fight |url=https://apnews.com/article/california-scott-wiener-house-seat-gaza-2e98d345646f70b931402d90fcf2b1e7 |work=Associated Press |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
As Pelosi prepared to leave Congress in 2026, the California Democratic Party convention in San Francisco served as a public recognition of her influence on both the state and national party.<ref name="guardian-convention">{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Nancy Pelosi-palooza: Democrats praise lawmaker's career at California convention |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/23/nancy-pelosi-california-democratic-convention |work=The Guardian |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The race to succeed her in her San Francisco-based district attracted significant attention, underscoring the weight of the seat she had held for nearly four decades.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-22 |title=Nancy Pelosi, the race for governor and other California Democratic Party convention |url=https://www.kcra.com/article/california-democratic-convetion-nancy-pelosi-governor-race/70449057 |work=KCRA |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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<references />


[[Category:Politicians]]
[[Category:Government officials]]
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[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from California]]
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Nancy Pelosi
BornNancy Patricia D'Alesandro
26 3, 1940
BirthplaceBaltimore, Maryland, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPolitician
Known forFirst woman to serve as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
EducationTrinity Washington University (B.A., 1962)
Spouse(s)Paul Pelosi (m. 1963)
Children5
AwardsPresidential Medal of Freedom (2024)

Nancy Patricia Pelosi (née D'Alesandro; born March 26, 1940) is an American politician who served as the 52nd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, she made history as the first woman to hold the speakership and the first woman to lead a major political party in either chamber of the United States Congress. Born into a politically prominent Baltimore family — her father, Thomas D'Alesandro Jr., served in Congress and as mayor of Baltimore — Pelosi moved to San Francisco with her husband, businessman Paul Pelosi, and raised five children before entering electoral politics. She has represented California's congressional district encompassing most of San Francisco since winning a special election in 1987 and is currently in her 20th term. During her tenure as the leader of the House Democratic Caucus from 2003 to 2023 — a span of 20 years tied with Joe Martin as the second-longest after Sam Rayburn — Pelosi oversaw the passage of major legislation under three presidential administrations and guided her party through some of the most consequential political episodes in modern American history, including two impeachments of President Donald Trump. In February 2026, as Pelosi prepared for retirement, Democratic officials at the California Democratic Party convention in San Francisco celebrated her career and advocacy.[1]

Early Life

Nancy Patricia D'Alesandro was born on March 26, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland, into a family deeply embedded in Democratic politics. Her father, Thomas D'Alesandro Jr., served as a member of the United States House of Representatives representing Maryland before becoming the mayor of Baltimore, a position he held for twelve years. Growing up in Baltimore's Little Italy neighborhood, Pelosi was immersed in the mechanics of constituent service and party organizing from a young age. Her family's home frequently served as a hub for Democratic political activity, and her father maintained a "favor file" documenting the assistance his office provided to constituents — a formative experience that introduced the young Nancy to the transactional nature of political life and the importance of building personal relationships.[2]

Pelosi was one of six children in the D'Alesandro family and the only girl, with five older brothers. Her brother, Thomas D'Alesandro III, also pursued a career in politics and later served as mayor of Baltimore, continuing the family's political dynasty. The D'Alesandro household was Catholic and Italian-American, and the values of community engagement, public service, and loyalty that characterized her upbringing would shape Pelosi's approach to politics throughout her career.

Pelosi attended the Institute of Notre Dame, a Catholic all-girls high school in Baltimore. Even during her school years, she showed an interest in politics, attending the 1960 inauguration of President John F. Kennedy as a college student. The combination of her family's political legacy and her Catholic education instilled in her both a pragmatic understanding of the political process and a moral framework rooted in social justice teachings.

Education

Pelosi enrolled at Trinity College in Washington, D.C. (now Trinity Washington University), a Catholic women's college. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1962. Her time in Washington during her college years allowed her to observe national politics firsthand, further deepening her interest in public life. While attending Trinity, she interned for Senator Daniel Brewster of Maryland, gaining early experience in the operations of a congressional office.

In 1963, one year after graduating from college, Nancy D'Alesandro married Paul Frank Pelosi, a native of San Francisco who had come to the East Coast to attend Georgetown University. The couple initially settled in New York City before relocating to San Francisco, where Paul Pelosi pursued a career in real estate and venture capital investing. The move to California would prove pivotal, as it placed Nancy Pelosi in the milieu of San Francisco's progressive Democratic politics.

Career

Early Political Involvement

After moving to San Francisco, Pelosi focused primarily on raising the couple's five children during the 1960s and 1970s. However, she remained active in Democratic Party politics as a volunteer and organizer. She began hosting fundraisers and working on local and state Democratic campaigns, steadily building a network of relationships within the party. Her organizational skills and fundraising abilities drew attention from party leaders, and she advanced through a series of party positions.

Pelosi served as a Democratic Party organizer in California and was elected chair of the California Democratic Party in 1981, a position she held until 1983. Her work at the state party level gave her significant influence within California's Democratic establishment. In 1984, she served as chair of the Host Committee for the 1984 Democratic National Convention, held in San Francisco, further raising her profile.[3] She also served on the Democratic National Committee and as finance chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Election to Congress

In 1987, Representative Sala Burton, who held California's 5th congressional district seat encompassing much of San Francisco, was terminally ill with cancer. Before her death, Burton endorsed Pelosi as her successor. In the special election held on June 2, 1987, to fill Burton's seat, Pelosi won a competitive primary and then the general election. She was 47 years old when she took office — relatively late for a first-term member of Congress, but her extensive party experience and network meant she arrived in Washington with a level of political sophistication and connections that most freshmen lacked.

Pelosi represented various iterations of San Francisco-based districts as redistricting altered the boundaries over the decades. As of her most recent terms, she has represented California's 11th congressional district, which includes most of San Francisco. She is the dean of California's congressional delegation, the longest-serving member of the state's House contingent.

Rise Through Democratic Leadership

Over her first decade and a half in Congress, Pelosi built a reputation as an effective vote counter, coalition builder, and fundraiser. These skills propelled her through the ranks of the House Democratic Caucus. In 2001, she was elected House Minority Whip, the second-highest position in the Democratic caucus, defeating Representative Steny Hoyer of Maryland.[4] This marked the first time a woman had held such a senior leadership position in either party in Congress.

When House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt stepped down in 2002, Pelosi was elected as his successor, becoming the first woman to lead a major party in Congress. As minority leader, she worked to unify her caucus and position the party to compete for a House majority. Her tenure as leader of the House Democratic Caucus from January 3, 2003, to January 3, 2023, spanned 20 years, making it tied with Joe Martin's service as the second-longest tenure as a House party leader, behind only Sam Rayburn.

First Speakership (2007–2011)

In the 2006 midterm elections, Pelosi led the Democratic Party to a net gain of 30 seats in the House, giving Democrats the majority for the first time in 12 years. On January 4, 2007, the House elected Pelosi as the 52nd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, making her the first woman in American history to hold the position.[5] As Speaker, she was second in the presidential line of succession, behind only the Vice President, making her the highest-ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government at that time.

During her first speakership, Pelosi emerged as a major opponent of the Iraq War and clashed with the George W. Bush administration on multiple policy fronts. She opposed the Bush administration's efforts to partially privatize Social Security, helping to block the proposal from advancing in Congress.[6] Anti-war activists in San Francisco at times protested outside Pelosi's home, pressing her to take stronger action against the war.[7]

Pelosi also navigated foreign policy controversies during this period. In 2007, she drew attention and criticism for her visit to Syria, where she met with President Bashar al-Assad, a trip the Bush administration characterized as inappropriate interference with executive branch foreign policy prerogatives.[8] She also played a role in debates over the proposed congressional resolution recognizing the Armenian genocide, which created diplomatic tensions with Turkey.[9]

Following the election of President Barack Obama in 2008, Pelosi's speakership became a vehicle for enacting a series of major pieces of legislation. She played a central role in passing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the economic stimulus package designed to address the Great Recession. She then marshaled the House Democratic caucus through the lengthy and politically fraught process of passing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, which extended health insurance coverage to millions of Americans. Her ability to hold together a diverse caucus — spanning progressive and moderate Democrats — to pass the ACA is considered one of her most significant legislative accomplishments. She also helped shepherd the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act, and the 2010 Tax Relief Act through the House.

Pelosi lost the speakership after the 2010 midterm elections, in which the Republican Party gained 63 seats and reclaimed the House majority. She chose to remain as the leader of the House Democrats and was elected House Minority Leader in January 2011.

Minority Leader (2011–2019)

During her second stint as Minority Leader, from 2011 to 2019, Pelosi led the Democratic caucus in opposition to Republican Speakers John Boehner and Paul Ryan. She worked to maintain party unity and used her position to block or negotiate modifications to Republican legislative proposals. Her fundraising prowess remained a significant asset for the party; she raised hundreds of millions of dollars for Democratic candidates over the course of her leadership career.

During this period, Pelosi addressed controversies surrounding members of Congress and stock trading. In 2011, a CBS News 60 Minutes report raised questions about whether members of Congress, including Pelosi, had benefited from stock trades related to information gained through their official duties. Pelosi's office described the report as a "smear."[10] In 2012, Pelosi supported the passage of the STOCK Act, which prohibited insider trading by members of Congress and required greater disclosure of financial transactions.[11][12] Questions about the Pelosi family's stock trading have continued to attract media attention. In February 2026, financial media reported on the stock holdings in Pelosi's disclosure filings, noting overlaps between her portfolio and those of prominent investors.[13]

Second Speakership (2019–2023)

In the 2018 midterm elections, Democrats gained 40 seats to regain control of the House. On January 3, 2019, Pelosi was elected Speaker for a second time, becoming the first former Speaker to reclaim the gavel since Sam Rayburn in 1955. Her predecessor as Speaker was Republican Paul Ryan, and her successor after the second term would be Republican Kevin McCarthy.

Pelosi's second speakership was dominated by confrontation with the Trump administration. In December 2019, the House voted to impeach President Donald Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to his interactions with the government of Ukraine. The Senate acquitted Trump in February 2020, as the proceedings failed to reach the two-thirds majority required for conviction. Following the January 6, 2021, attack on the United States Capitol, the House impeached Trump a second time, on a charge of incitement of insurrection, making him the first president in American history to be impeached twice. The Senate again acquitted Trump.

During the Biden administration, Pelosi contributed to the passage of several major pieces of legislation, including the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. These legislative achievements added to her record as one of the most productive Speakers in modern congressional history.

Transition from Leadership and Retirement

In November 2022, following the Democrats' loss of the House majority in the 2022 midterm elections, Pelosi announced that she would step down from the Democratic leadership, though she would continue to serve in Congress. She was succeeded as leader of the House Democratic Caucus by Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the first African American to lead either party in Congress.

Pelosi continued to serve in the House as Speaker Emerita and remained an influential figure within the party. By 2026, she had announced her intention to retire, prompting a race for her congressional seat. State Senator Scott Wiener emerged as a leading candidate to succeed her, winning the endorsement of the California Democratic Party at its February 2026 convention in San Francisco.[14][15] At the convention, Democratic officials celebrated Pelosi's career and advocacy in what media described as a tribute to the retiring lawmaker.[16]

Even in preparing for retirement, Pelosi remained active in Democratic politics. In February 2026, she made a surprise endorsement in a Sacramento-area congressional race, a move that drew attention and deepened intraparty divisions in that contest.[17]

Personal Life

Nancy Pelosi married Paul Frank Pelosi in 1963. Paul Pelosi built a career as a businessman and investor in San Francisco, focusing on real estate and venture capital. The couple has five children: Nancy Corinne, Christine, Jacqueline, Paul Jr., and Alexandra. Alexandra Pelosi became a documentary filmmaker and journalist.

The Pelosi family has maintained a home in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. Paul Pelosi's business activities and stock trades have attracted public scrutiny and media coverage, particularly regarding the question of whether his investment decisions could be influenced by his wife's access to legislative information.

On October 28, 2022, Paul Pelosi was attacked in the couple's San Francisco home by an intruder who had broken in seeking to confront the Speaker. Paul Pelosi was hospitalized with serious injuries, including a skull fracture. The attack drew widespread condemnation and heightened concerns about political violence and threats against public officials.

Pelosi is a practicing Catholic and has frequently cited her faith as an influence on her political views, particularly on issues related to poverty and social justice. Her Catholic identity has also placed her at the center of debates within the Church, as some Catholic leaders have criticized her support for abortion rights.

Recognition

Pelosi's ascension to the speakership in 2007 was itself a historic milestone, as she became the first woman to hold the position, which placed her second in the presidential line of succession. Until Vice President Kamala Harris took office in January 2021, Pelosi held the record as the highest-ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government's line of succession.

Time magazine has profiled Pelosi on multiple occasions and included her on its lists of influential figures.[18] Her role in passing the Affordable Care Act, in particular, has been cited by historians and political analysts as a defining achievement of her speakership. Her ability to manage the diverse factions within the House Democratic Caucus — from progressive members to moderates representing swing districts — has been noted as a distinctive feature of her leadership style.

In 2024, President Joe Biden awarded Pelosi the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

Media interest in Pelosi has extended well beyond traditional political coverage. At one point in 2009, Pelosi's name generated more internet search interest than pop star Britney Spears, a measure of her prominence in the national conversation.[19]

Legacy

Nancy Pelosi's legacy in American politics is anchored in several distinct achievements. She was the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, breaking a barrier that had stood for the more than two centuries of the republic's existence. Her tenure as the leader of the House Democratic Caucus for 20 years made her one of the longest-serving party leaders in congressional history.

Legislatively, Pelosi's speakerships saw the passage of some of the most significant laws enacted in the early 21st century. During her first term as Speaker, the Affordable Care Act, the Dodd–Frank Act, the economic stimulus of 2009, and the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy all passed the House under her stewardship. During her second term, the American Rescue Plan, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act became law. This legislative record places her among the most productive Speakers in the history of the institution.

Pelosi's role in the two impeachments of President Donald Trump marked another dimension of her legacy. She initially resisted calls from progressives within her caucus to pursue impeachment, opting to act only when she determined that the evidence and political circumstances warranted the step. Her decision to proceed, and her management of the process, reflected the strategic calculations that characterized her leadership.

Her fundraising capacity reshaped expectations for congressional leaders. Pelosi raised hundreds of millions of dollars for Democratic candidates over her career, making the party leader's role as fundraiser-in-chief a central feature of the position.

As Pelosi prepared to leave Congress in 2026, the California Democratic Party convention in San Francisco served as a public recognition of her influence on both the state and national party.[20] The race to succeed her in her San Francisco-based district attracted significant attention, underscoring the weight of the seat she had held for nearly four decades.[21]

References

  1. ↑ "Nancy Pelosi-palooza: Democrats praise lawmaker's career at California convention".The Guardian.2026-02-23.https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/23/nancy-pelosi-california-democratic-convention.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  2. ↑ "Nancy Pelosi".Slate.2002-11.http://beta.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/assessment/2002/11/nancy_pelosi.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  3. ↑ "Democrats Announce 2008 Convention Chairs".Democratic National Convention Committee.http://www.demconvention.com/democrats-announce-2008-convention-chairs-2/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  4. ↑ "Nancy Pelosi".The Nation.2001-08-06.http://www.thenation.com/doc/20010806/nichols2/2.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  5. ↑ "Pelosi takes helm as first female House Speaker".CNN.2007-01-04.https://web.archive.org/web/20070106022356/http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/01/04/congress.rdp/index.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  6. ↑ "Nancy Pelosi".Slate.2002-11.http://beta.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/assessment/2002/11/nancy_pelosi.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  7. ↑ "SAN FRANCISCO: Anti-war activists take Pelosi to task".San Francisco Chronicle.http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/SAN-FRANCISCO-Anti-war-activists-take-Pelosi-to-2524112.php.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  8. ↑ "US House Speaker Pelosi Meets With Syrian President Assad".Voice of America.2007-10-11.https://web.archive.org/web/20071013022525/http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-10-11-voa71.cfm.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  9. ↑ "Pelosi keeps Armenian genocide resolution alive".CNN.2007-10-25.http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/10/25/us.turkey/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  10. ↑ "Pelosi aide calls '60 Minutes' report a smear".San Francisco Chronicle.http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Pelosi-aide-calls-60-Minutes-report-a-smear-2289515.php.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  11. ↑ "Pelosi Statement on Senate Passage of STOCK Act".Office of Nancy Pelosi.http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-senate-passage-of-stock-act.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  12. ↑ "Pelosi Statement on Senate Passage of STOCK Act".Office of the Democratic Leader.http://www.democraticleader.gov/news/press/pelosi-statement-senate-passage-stock-act.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  13. ↑ "Nancy Pelosi, Brad Gerstner Pile Into The Same 5 Stocks — What Do They See Coming?".Benzinga.2026-02-20.https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/02/50755330/nancy-pelosi-brad-gerstner-pile-into-the-same-5-stocks-what-do-they-see-coming.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  14. ↑ "California Democratic Party backs Scott Wiener's campaign to succeed Nancy Pelosi".San Francisco Chronicle.2026-02-22.https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/scott-wiener-democrats-nancy-pelosi-21360874.php.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  15. ↑ "A policy wonk who wants Nancy Pelosi's House seat is unafraid of a fight".Associated Press News.2026-02-22.https://apnews.com/article/california-scott-wiener-house-seat-gaza-2e98d345646f70b931402d90fcf2b1e7.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  16. ↑ "Nancy Pelosi-palooza: Democrats praise lawmaker's career at California convention".The Guardian.2026-02-23.https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/23/nancy-pelosi-california-democratic-convention.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  17. ↑ "Pelosi's surprise endorsement jolts Sacramento race, deepening Democratic rift".Sacramento Bee.2026-02-22.https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/article314792097.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  18. ↑ "Nancy Pelosi".Time.http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1376213-2,00.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  19. ↑ "Pelosi Out-Divas Britney Spears".NBC Washington.http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/archive/Pelosi-Out-Divas-Britney-Spears.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  20. ↑ "Nancy Pelosi-palooza: Democrats praise lawmaker's career at California convention".The Guardian.2026-02-23.https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/23/nancy-pelosi-california-democratic-convention.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  21. ↑ "Nancy Pelosi, the race for governor and other California Democratic Party convention".KCRA.2026-02-22.https://www.kcra.com/article/california-democratic-convetion-nancy-pelosi-governor-race/70449057.Retrieved 2026-02-23.

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