Nancy Pelosi announces retirement from politics

Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve as the powerful speaker of the US House of Representatives, said on Thursday that she will not run for reelection to Congress in 2026, ending the four-decade career of a progressive Democratic icon often vilified by the right.

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The 85-year-old congresswoman, first elected in 1987, made her announcement two days after voters in California overwhelmingly approved “Proposition 50,” a state redistricting effort aimed at flipping five House seats to Democrats in next year’s midterm elections.

“I will not be seeking reelection to Congress. With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service,” Pelosi said in social media posts.

California's embrace of “Proposition 50” was in response to a similar move by Texas to boost Republicans’ chances. It was spearheaded by California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, but was right in Pelosi's wheelhouse.