Democrats brace for Nancy Pelosi's possible retirement

Source: NBC News

Nov. 3, 2025, 5:00 AM EST / Updated Nov. 3, 2025, 1:24 PM EST


WASHINGTON — Democrats are bracing for the possible retirement of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, one of the party’s most powerful, popular and effective leaders, who served as chief antagonist to President Donald Trump during his first term and has quietly counseled Democrats as they take on Trump in his second term.

She is expected to make an announcement about her future after Tuesday’s elections, when voters will consider a ballot measure, known as “Proposition 50,” that would redraw the state’s congressional lines. Pelosi is a prominent proponent of the plan, which Democrats hope would net them several seats in next year’s midterm elections.

Multiple Democratic sources in her home state and in Congress told NBC News they believe the 85-year-old California Democrat will choose not to seek re-election in 2026 after nearly four decades representing her San Francisco-based district. “I wish she would stay for 10 more years,” said one House Democrat from California. “I think she’s out. She’s going to go out with Prop 50 overwhelmingly passing, and what a crowning achievement for her to do that.”

Her departure — if it happens — would end an era in Congress, where her unparalleled skills as a legislative strategist, vote counter and fundraiser helped make Pelosi the first woman to win the speaker’s gavel, and it would touch off a more furious scramble for her coveted House seat.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/democrats-brace-nancy-pelosi-possible-retirement-rcna241336