Nancy Pelosi

Nancy Pelosi, born on March 26, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland, is a prominent American politician and writer, renowned for her groundbreaking role in U.S. politics. As a member of the Democratic Party, she made history as the first female Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, serving two non-consecutive terms from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. Representing California's 11th congressional district, which encompasses much of San Francisco, Pelosi has been a member of Congress since 1987, marking her 20th term and solidifying her status as the dean of California's congressional delegation.

Pelosi's political journey began in the 1960s when she volunteered for the Democratic Party while raising her family. She quickly ascended through the ranks, becoming the chair of the California Democratic Party before winning a special election to Congress in 1987. Her leadership skills were recognized as she became House minority whip in 2001 and then House minority leader in 2002. In the 2006 midterm elections, she led the Democrats to a majority in the House for the first time in over a decade, subsequently being elected as Speaker, a position she held with distinction.

During her first speakership, Pelosi was a vocal opponent of the Iraq War and played a crucial role in passing significant legislation, including the Affordable Care Act and the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. After losing the speakership in the 2010 midterms, she remained a key figure in the House Democratic leadership. In 2018, she reclaimed the gavel, becoming the first former speaker to do so since Sam Rayburn in 1955. Her second term was marked by the impeachment of President Donald Trump and the passage of major bills under the Biden administration.

Despite her achievements, Pelosi has been a polarizing figure, facing criticism from both conservatives and progressives. Issues such as the Trump impeachments and allegations of insider trading have drawn scrutiny. In November 2025, she announced her retirement from Congress, concluding a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on American politics.