• Nancy Pelosi announces she will not seek re-election as a U.S. Congress member.
• She served for nearly 40 years, including two terms as Speaker of the House.
• The announcement comes amid a generational shift in the Democratic Party.
• Several candidates are expected to vie for her Congressional seat in 2026.
• Pelosi reflected on her legacy, encouraging continued civic engagement in her farewell statement.

Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, announced her retirement on Thursday, stating she would not seek re-election for the upcoming congressional term. In a heartfelt video address, she told her constituents, "With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative," marking the end of her nearly 40-year tenure in Congress. This decision has generated significant attention as she reflects on a legacy that included major legislative achievements and leadership during tumultuous political times, according to SCMP and India Times.

Pelosi's political legacy is substantial, having served as Speaker during two critical periods from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. She has been the leading voice for significant legislative measures, including the Affordable Care Act and economic recovery packages following the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. Known for her strategic prowess and commitment to progressive causes, Pelosi remarked in her retirement announcement about the importance of civic engagement, stating, "San Francisco, know your power." This focus on democratic participation has been a hallmark of her career, according to AA and India Times.

As Pelosi prepares for her final year in office, the political landscape is shifting. Her retirement opens the door for younger candidates to seek her congressional seat in California's 11th district, with notable figures, such as California State Senator Scott Wiener and former Congressional aide Saikat Chakrabarti, already announcing their intentions to run. The Congressional primary is set for June 2026, and candidates are gearing up in what is expected to be a competitive race, highlighting the generational change within the Democratic Party, as noted by ABC News and Channel News Asia.

Throughout her career, Pelosi has faced intense scrutiny, especially from conservatives, who often criticized her political strategies and alignment with liberal values. However, her influence on American politics is undeniable, as she has been a central figure in navigating party leadership and legislative priorities in a divided Congress. Undoubtedly, her legacy will be remembered as one that broke barriers for women in politics and reshaped the Democratic Party, particularly during times of extreme polarization and conflict, as highlighted by Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

Trump's reaction to Pelosi's retirement was contentious, as he labeled her an "evil woman," asserting that her departure would benefit the country. The complex and often adversarial relationship between the two has defined much of the recent political landscape, evidencing the profound role Pelosi has played in challenging and opposing Trump's administration during her time in Congress. However, her contemporaries across the political spectrum have recognized her commitment and impact as a lawmaker, with reflections on her leadership flooding in following her announcement, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.