Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced her retirement from Congress, bringing an end to a political career spanning nearly four decades.

In a video message released on Thursday, Pelosi said she would not seek re-election when her current term ends in January 2027.

Pelosi, 85, was first elected to Congress in 1987 to represent San Francisco, California. She made history in 2007 when she became the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, a position she held from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023.

She played a key role in passing major legislation, including former President Barack Obama’s healthcare reforms and President Joe Biden’s infrastructure and climate change bills. Pelosi was also a leading critic of Donald Trump, overseeing two impeachment proceedings against him during his presidency.

In her message, Pelosi said she was proud of her years in public service and urged Americans to remain active in democracy.

“We have made history, we have made progress,” she said. “San Francisco, know your power.”

Pelosi was succeeded as Democratic leader by Hakeem Jeffries in 2022 but has remained influential in party politics. Recently, she helped pass Proposition 50, a redistricting measure in California aimed at boosting Democratic seats in Congress.

BBC