Former US House Speaker bids farewell to Congress after 40 years of service

Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that she will not seek re-election to Congress in 2026, signaling the end of a nearly 40-year career in public service.

In a video statement, Pelosi, 85, who represents most of San Francisco, said, “I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative,” The Guardian reports.

Pelosi has served 20 terms in Congress, including a historic tenure as the first female Speaker of the House in 2007. Throughout her career, she has been a prominent figure in national and international politics, leading legislative efforts and representing her city on the world stage.

Reflecting on her time in office, Pelosi remarked, “I was able to represent our city and our country around the world with patriotism and pride. I say to my colleagues in the House all the time, no matter what title they have bestowed upon me, there has been no greater honor for me than to stand on the House floor and say, ‘I speak for the people of San Francisco.’”

By Vafa Guliyeva