Pelosi, who will turn 82 in March, announced via Twitter her decision to run for another term in the San Francisco-based district she's represented since winning a June 1987 special election.
“While we have made progress, much more needs to be done to improve people’s lives,” Pelosi, who represents most of San Francisco, declared in a video announcement. “This election is crucial. Nothing less is at stake than our democracy. But as we say, we don’t agonize, we organize and that is why I am running for reelection to Congress and respectfully seek your support. I’d be greatly honored by it and grateful for it. Thank you so much.””
Pelosi is among a trio of Democrats who have held onto one of the top three House posts for more than a decade. Pelosi was elected Democratic leader in 2002 and House speaker in January 2007, where she held the position until the GOP reclaimed the gavel in 2011. In 2007, she also became the first woman to hold the Speaker’s gavel. Pelosi reverted to minority leader, fighting challengers to hang on to the top post.
WATCH: JOHN LEGEND CALLS TRUMP A RACIST
Democrats selected her once again to the top post when the party regained the majority in the 2018 election and barely held on to it in 2020. She's the oldest House speaker in history.
RUSSIAN COURT DENIES EVAN GERSHOVICH'S APPEAL, WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE WSJ REPORTER?
Still, in 2019, Pelosi promised her caucus that this term would be her last as speaker in a move aimed to placate those eager to usher a younger generation of leaders into the top posts. Pelosi hasn’t confirmed whether she’ll stick to her promise but has suggested she'll honor the agreement in the past.
WATCH FETTERMAN REACTING TO PROTESTS WAVES
Democrats control a very slim House majority, and analysts predict that the House will flip to GOP control in the midterm elections. If Democrats lose the House and Pelosi sticks around, she’ll be forced to run for Democratic leader and may face a battle in the wake of a November defeat.
SQUATTERS BEWARE AS GEORGIA GOVERNOR SIGNS TOUGH NEW LAW
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries, of New York City, is seen as the frontrunner to succeed Pelosi as the top House Democrat when she does leave Congress. The announcement of Pelosi seeking another term is expected to punt talks of leadership races until after the election takes place. In most of Pelosi's reelection bids, she has won with more than 70% of the vote.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
