NBC News correspondent Scott Wong has stirred speculation about Nancy Pelosi's political future, reporting that several Democratic officials and senior aides in California and Washington believe Pelosi will not pursue re-election in 2026.
Pelosi, who has represented her San Francisco district for nearly four decades, may be preparing to step down, according to Wong's sources. "I think she's preparing to exit the stage," remarked a House Democratic leadership aide.
This development comes just a year after Pelosi filed for re-election to continue serving California's 11th Congressional district.
As reported by The Post Millennial, California State Senator Scott Wiener, known for his far-left stance, has already announced his candidacy to succeed Pelosi. "Its official: Im running for Congress to represent San Francisco! Ill fight Trumps takeover, for our values, & for real progress," Wiener declared in late October.
He further emphasized his resolve, stating, "Trump and his MAGA extremists dont scare me. They wont stop me or the people of our great city from fighting back and doing whats right."
The potential departure of Pelosi, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, has sparked discussions among her colleagues. One House Democrat expressed a desire for her continued presence, saying, "I wish she would stay for 10 more years. I think she's out. She's going to go out with Prop 50 overwhelmingly passing, and what a crowing achievement for her to do that."
Prop 50, championed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, seeks to amend the state constitution to allow legislative control over congressional redistricting, a move Pelosi supports. This initiative could significantly impact Republican representation in California, aligning with Newsom's strategy to counteract President Trump's influence on redistricting in Texas.
A Bay Area Democrat echoed the sentiment of Pelosi's potential departure, stating, "Most people think it is highly unlikely that she will run for another term." Additional signs of her possible exit include her recent comments about Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, expressing a desire to witness his historic swearing-in as the first black House Speaker, contingent on her continued presence in Congress.
Pelosi's decision may be influenced by the outcome of Tuesday's local elections across the nation. She has thrown her support behind Democratic candidates Abigail Spanberger in Virginia, Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey, and Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor.
Pelosi's tenure as House Speaker under President Joe Biden from 2019 to 2023 and under President Barack Obama from 2007 to 2011 underscores her significant role in shaping Democratic policy. Her congressional career began in 1987, and at 85 years old, she remains a formidable force in American politics.
While Pelosi's spokesman Ian Krager did not directly address the rumors of her potential retirement, he emphasized her commitment to Prop 50, stating, "Speaker Pelosi is fully focused on her mission to win the Yes on 50 special election in California on Tuesday."
Krager urged Californians to support this initiative, framing it as a crucial step toward reclaiming the House for Democrats. As the political landscape evolves, Pelosi's next move remains a subject of keen interest and speculation.
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