Democratic leaders from Los Angeles and California recognized the legacy of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi after she announced she would not seek reelection.

With this announcement, Pelosi ends a long political career in which she became the first woman to be Speaker of the House of Representatives and led her party to control the lower house of Congress. 2003 to 2023.

“Speaker Pelosi's legacy is built on her tireless fight for working families and access to health care. Under her leadership, Congress passed landmark legislation, including the Affordable Care Act, the Dodd-Frank Consumer Protection Act, the American Rescue Plan, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, improving the lives of millions across the country,” said Supervisor Hilda Solis.

She recalled that in 2019, during the Trump administration, Pelosi resolutely led what was then the longest government shutdown in US history and helped bring it to an end, ensuring that the needs of the American people were the priority.

“She has been my personal mentor and a staunch advocate throughout my career, from my time in Congress to becoming the first Latina to serve in the presidential cabinet under President [Name Missing]. Obama.”

She affirmed that her courage, elegance, and commitment to justice have left an indelible mark on the nation and on my life.

“I will always call her my Speaker,” said Supervisor Solis.

After nearly four decades in Congress, 85-year-old Pelosi announced Thursday, November 6, that she will not seek reelection to the seat, which she will hold until January 2027.

“We have made history, we have made progress,” Pelosi said in a video message.

Breaks the glass ceiling

Long Beach Congresswoman Nannette Barragan said that Nancy Pelosi broke the glass ceiling by becoming the first woman to hold the Speakership of the House of Representatives, and establish herself as the best president they have ever had.

“During her time in Congress, Pelosi was the voice of Californians and all Americans.”

She recalled that as Speaker, she championed the passage of the Affordable Care Act,which made healthcare accessible to millions of Americans, a fight they continue to fight today.

“She protected our democracy by standing up to Trump; she inspired the Democratic women in the caucus and proved that glass ceilings are meant to be broken.”

Her Beginnings

Pelosi was first elected to represent San Francisco in Congress in 1987, when she was 47 years old.

In 2007, the Democratic Party elected her Speaker of the House of Representatives, making her the first woman to hold that position, which she held until 2011, when the Democrats lost control of the House; She later summarized the Speakership from 2019 to 2023.

The Speakership of the House of Representatives is, after the Vice President, the next position in the presidential line of succession.

As Speaker of the House, Pelosi played a pivotal role in advancing or blocking the agendas of several presidents during her long tenure on Capitol Hill.

Pelosi played a key role in getting Proposition 50 passed in California, an effort by Governor Newsom to redraw electoral maps in favor of Democrats in Congress during the 2026 midterm elections.

A Powerful Figure

California Senator Alex Padilla said that after nearly 40 years representing San Francisco in Congress, Pelosi culminates her career as one of the most powerful political figures in American history.

“Nancy Pelosi has fought for fundamental rights and freedoms not only for not only her beloved city of San Francisco, but all Americans. And as a champion of Democratic and Californian values, Speaker Pelosi stood as our nation's foremost defender against Donald Trump's attacks on our democracy.” Senator Padilla said Pelosi championed transformative legislation to invest in our nation's infrastructure. “From her San Francisco roots to her pioneering career in Congress, Speaker Pelosi was a champion of LGBTQ+ rights, fighting to guarantee the right to marry whoever you love and helping San Francisco overcome the AIDS crisis that devastated the city. Through our nation's greatest triumphs and most difficult trials, Speaker Pelosi has always been the voice of the people and a champion for children.”

She concluded by saying it has been an honor to serve alongside her.

“She always urged us to 'organize, not suffer.' Now it is up to us to continue her legacy.”

Masterful Leadership

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said it was an immense honor to serve alongside Speaker Nancy Pelosi and had the opportunity to witness her masterful leadership in the United States House of Representatives.

“During the twelve years I served in the House, Speaker Pelosi never lost a vote and skillfully navigated complex political situations and issues.”

He said he hoped that one day, history books would accurately describe her tenure.

“During Trump's first term, it was Nancy Pelosi who skillfully managed the chaos and allowed the government to function.”

And he emphasized that she secured the passage of landmark climate change legislation and refused to give up the fight for the Affordable Care Act when many believed it was impossible to pass a law that would provide healthcare for the American people.

“I wish her all the best and look forward to continuing to work with her when I return to California.”