Nancy Pelosi
(United States House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi)

Pelosi won’t seek reelection for Democratic leadership

United States House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced on Thursday (Nov. 17) that she will not be seeking another term as the leader of Democrats in the lower chamber of US Congress,
paving the way for a younger generation to take over the party’s top job.

Speaking before lawmakers, she stressed that a “new generation” should lead the House Democratic Caucus, expressing confidence that “so many” of her colleagues “are ready and willing to shoulder this awesome responsibility.”

Pelosi revealed she will continue to represent her San Francisco district in Congress and serve the state of California.

“There is no greater official honor for me than to stand on this floor and to speak for the people of San Francisco. This I will continue to do as a member of the House – speaking for the people of San Francisco, serving the great state of California and defending our constitution,” Pelosi, the only female Speaker in US history, said. “And with great confidence in our caucus, I will not seek re-election to Democratic leadership in the next Congress.”

She has represented her congressional district since 1987, has been the leader of the House Democratic Caucus since 2003 and will have served two terms as House Speaker, from 2007 to 2011 and from 2019 until the new Congress starts meeting in January 2023.

Pelosi’s decision comes after Democrats lost control of the House of Representatives in the midterm elections and after her husband, Paul, was violently attacked by a hammer-wielding home intruder at their San Francisco home.

“For my dear husband, Paul, who has been my beloved partner in life and my pillar of support, thank you. We’re all grateful for all the prayers and well wishes as he continues his recovery. Thank you so much,” she said.

With reporting by Fox News, CNBC, Washington Post