On Friday, long-time congressional servant and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced she would be running for re-election in California’s District 12.
The 83-year-old Pelosi first took office in 1987, and she is currently the sixth-oldest member of the House of Representatives. Her statement came after months of speculation that she may retire when her term ends in January 2025.
“Now more than ever our City needs us to advance San Francisco values and further our recovery,” Pelosi posted on social media. “Our country needs America to show the world that our flag is still there, with liberty and justice for ALL. That is why I am running for reelection — and respectfully ask for your vote.”
This announcement came about a month after Democrats lost control of the House during the November elections, leading Pelosi to step down from House leadership with a promise to “let a new generation lead.”
At the time, many thought that this would be the beginning of Pelosi’s retirement. Paul Pelosi, Nancy’s husband, further confirmed it, saying that his wife wasn’t interested in a position as ambassador to Italy. “It wouldn’t go away but she was very clear,” he said. “‘I don’t want the job, I’m done, I’m done.’”
Despite her age and critiques about her mental ability, Pelosi remains a powerful figure and fundraiser within the Democratic Party. She could very well be essential to the Democrats’ chances to once again take hold of the House and maintain the majority of the Senate in the 2024 election.
Indeed, questions are quietly circling around the mental abilities of other aging politicians, such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who seemed to freeze mid-sentence during a press conference recently. There’s also their colleague Senator Dianne Feinstein, who has been absent from Washington multiple times while recovering from the shingles virus, and President Joe Biden whose lack of coordination has raised some eyebrows.
It’s unknown what this could mean for their respective careers. What is for certain is that Nancy Pelosi isn’t backing down from the fight, and she’s determined to represent her district for at least another two years. All eyes are now on how she’ll perform in office until 2025.
