SAN FRANCISCO — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced on Thursday that she will retire at the end of her current term in Congress, marking the conclusion of a significant legislative career. In a video message, Pelosi shared her decision with her constituents, stating, "I want you, my fellow San Franciscans, to be the first to know. I will not be seeking reelection to Congress. With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative." Her term will officially end on January 3, 2027.

Pelosi, who is 85 years old, has represented San Francisco in the House since winning a special election in 1987. She made history as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, a position she held twice, first from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. In her announcement, she emphasized her love for the city, saying, "As we go forward, my message to the city I love is this: San Francisco, know your power."

For weeks, Pelosi had sidestepped questions about her future, focusing instead on the successful passage of California's Prop 50 redistricting measure. With that achievement behind her, she clarified her plans not to seek another term. The filing deadline for candidates in California is March 6, and several Democrats, including state Rep. Scott Wiener and progressive Saikat Chakrabarti, have already expressed interest in running for her seat.

Pelosi's political career has been marked by significant accomplishments and challenges. She played a crucial role during pivotal moments in U.S. history, including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. A skilled fundraiser, she raised over $1 billion for the Democratic Party and led her party to regain the House majority twice during her tenure.

Throughout her career, Pelosi has been known for her assertive leadership style. She famously ripped up a copy of President Donald Trump's State of the Union address and was instrumental in both of his impeachments. Her influence extended to the current administration, where she has been a key figure in shaping party strategy.

In her farewell message, Pelosi reflected on her time in office, stating, "I say to my colleagues in the House all the time, no matter what title they have bestowed upon me, Speaker, Leader, Whip, 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. I have truly loved serving as your voice."

Pelosi's legacy includes not only her historic role as a female leader but also her ability to navigate complex political landscapes. She has been recognized as a master of legislative strategy, uniting various factions within the Democratic Party to achieve significant policy goals.

As she prepares to step down, Pelosi leaves behind a legacy of leadership and advocacy that has shaped modern American politics. Her retirement will open a competitive primary for her San Francisco district, as potential candidates begin to emerge ahead of the upcoming election cycle.