Nancy Pelosi resigns after two decades of Democratic leadership: ‘The hour of a new generation has arrived’

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday she will not seek a leadership position in the next Congress, ending a two-decade career as party leader.

“With great faith in our group, I will not seek re-election to the Democratic leadership in the next Congress,” Pelosi said in a House speech. “For me, the hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic Group, which I respect so much.”

She said she would remain in her congressional seat after being re-elected earlier this month.

After Republicans took control of Congress, questions arose as to whether Pelosi, 82, would seek to maintain a leadership position as minority leader or, as she had previously indicated, step aside.

Her decision raises questions about who will succeed her, with House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries, 52, long considered a candidate for the top job. House Speaker Steny Hoyer, 83, also announced he would not seek a leadership position, ending speculation that he would seek to succeed Pelosi. He also backed Jeffries to take the top job. House Majority Whip James Clyburn, 82, also endorsed Jeffries as leader, Katherine Clark as whip and Pete Aguilar as caucus chair.

In a 15-minute speech on the House floor, Pelosi spoke about the history of the institution, as well as its legacy and achievements.

“It was never my intention to run for public office,” Pelosi said. “Mom and Dad taught us by example that public service is a noble calling and that we all have a responsibility to help others… I am honored to be a part of making extraordinary progress for the American people.” .” Pelosi’s father, Thomas D’Alessandro Jr., was a congressman from 1939 to 1947 and then became the mayor of Baltimore.

Democratic members gave Pelosi a standing ovation and, after she finished, lined up to hug and congratulate her. Among those on the floor was Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who gave her a long hug.

Pelosi was one of the most effective speakers in the history of Congress, a lightning rod on the right but extremely adept at organizing the Democratic faction. Pelosi, the first and so far only woman to serve as speaker from 2007 to 2011 and then return in 2019, won votes on landmark legislation in the areas of health care, climate change, criminal justice reform, gun reform and same-sex marriage. She was an enemy of Donald Trump in the final years of his presidency and led two votes for his impeachment. She also famously tore up a copy of his speech at the end of his 2020 State of the Union address after using the moment to stage a reality show-like extravaganza, including awarding Rush Limbaugh the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Her tenure has also been marked by turmoil, most notably the January 6 attack on the Capitol, which sent rioters searching for her as she and other congressional leaders sought refuge in a safe place.

She was also the top Democratic fundraiser, raising tens of millions for party committees and PACs over the years.

Pelosi said recently 60 minutes that the decision about her future would be influenced by what happened to her husband Paul last month. A burglar broke into her home in San Francisco and hit Paul Pelosi in the head with a hammer. According to police, the suspect was looking for Nancy Pelosi, and the incident sparked widespread concern as it was the latest example of political divisions escalating into violence.

Pelosi was first elected to her San Francisco district in 1987. She was elected House Minority Whip in 2002 and Minority Leader in 2003. mid-term elections.

The Democratic faction cheered Pelosi when she called the House to order at 9 a.m. PT on Thursday.

Pelosi has previously hinted that she would step down from the leadership after 2022, but there has been some speculation lately that she might stay, especially since the Republicans have such a slim majority.

Although Democrats lost a majority midway through the election, Pelosi said the election was nonetheless an endorsement of democracy, as a number of election denialists and Donald Trump-backed candidates lost their races. Democrats also retained control of the Senate and took governorships.

“Last week, the American people spoke and spoke out in defense of freedom, the rule of law and democracy itself,” Pelosi said. “With this election, the people stepped into the gap and repelled the attack on democracy. They definitely rejected violence and rebellion and proved throughout the night that our flag is still there,” she said.

President Joe Biden called Pelosi Thursday morning before her announcement. In a statement, Biden said: “History will find her to be the most enduring speaker of the House in our history. There are countless examples of how this embodies the obligation of elected officials to fulfill their oath to God and country to ensure that our democracy is and remains a beacon to the world. In everything she does, she reflects a dignity in her actions and a dignity she sees in the lives of the people of this nation.”