Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has led Democrats in the House for the past 20 years, declared last month that she would continue to serve in Congress but would relinquish her position as speaker.
In 2002, Pelosi became the first woman to lead a major party in either chamber. She assumed the speakership following the 2006 midterm elections. During her tenure as speaker, she was instrumental in the passage of nearly every major piece of legislation, including the Affordable Care Act, and oversaw two impeachments of President Donald Trump.
“No matter what title you all, my colleagues, have bestowed on me, speaker, leader, whip, there is no greater official honor for me than to stand on this floor and speak for the people of San Francisco. This I will continue to do as a member of the House.”
Pelosi made her decision less than a month after her husband, Paul Pelosi was attacked by an intruder who was seeking to harm her at their San Francisco home. Prior to the incident, which resulted in her husband’s hospitalization and surgery to repair a skull fracture, she had indicated that it would be mulling the decision to step down.
Pelosi said after two decades, “I don’t feel sad about not having a leadership position. I feel balanced about it. I personally have been ready to leave for a while. There are lots of things I want to do. I like to dance, and I like to sing. There’s a life out there, right?”
The White House released a statement from President Biden. “When I think of Nancy Pelosi, I think of dignity; history will note she is the most consequential Speaker of the House of Representatives in our history.”
Pelosi will pass the torch to Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., who ran unopposed for minority leader and will make history as the first Black lawmaker to lead a political party’s caucus in either chamber.
