Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nancy Pelosi
Discover the career path of Nancy Pelosi, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Nancy Pelosi is a prominent American politician best known for serving as the 52nd Speaker of the House, from 2007-2011 and 2019-2023. As a Democrat representing California's 11th district since 1987, she made history as the first female Speaker of the House. Pelosi also holds the distinction of being the first woman to lead a major political party in either chamber of Congress, leading House Democrats for two decades. Her leadership tenure is one of the longest in history. She is considered the dean of California's congressional delegation.
1949: Democratic Representation Since 1949
Since 1949, the area Nancy Pelosi represents in the House has been represented by Democrats uninterruptedly.
1955: Sam Rayburn Reclaims Gavel
In 1955, Sam Rayburn became the first former speaker to reclaim the gavel.
1964: Supported the Equality Act
Nancy Pelosi supports the Equality Act, which seeks to expand the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
1976: Democratic National Committee Member
In 1976, Nancy Pelosi was elected as a Democratic National Committee member from California.
1977: Party Chair for Northern California
In 1977, Nancy Pelosi was elected party chair for Northern California.
1983: Heads California Democratic Party
In 1983, Nancy Pelosi led the California Democratic Party.
1984: San Francisco DNC Host Committee Chairwoman
In 1984, Nancy Pelosi served as the San Francisco Democratic National Convention Host Committee chairwoman.
1985: DSCC Finance Chair
In 1985, Nancy Pelosi served as the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee finance chair until 1986.
1986: End of DSCC Finance Chair
In 1986, Nancy Pelosi's tenure as the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee finance chair came to an end.
1987: House of Representatives Member
In 1987, Nancy Pelosi began serving in the House of Representatives, representing California's 11th congressional district.
1987: First Campaign Debate
In 1987, Nancy Pelosi participated in candidates' debates in her first campaign.
1987: Voted for Abandoned Shipwrecks Act
In 1987, Nancy Pelosi voted for the Abandoned Shipwrecks Act.
1987: Election to Congress
In 1987, Nancy Pelosi was first elected to Congress in a special election.
1987: Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987
In 1987, Pelosi voted for the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987.
March 1988: Civil Rights Restoration Act Vote
In March 1988, Nancy Pelosi voted to override President Ronald Reagan's veto of the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987.
April 28, 1988: Abandoned Shipwrecks Act Signed Into Law
On April 28, 1988, the Abandoned Shipwrecks Act was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan.
1988: First Reelection Campaign
In 1988, Nancy Pelosi ran her first reelection campaign
1988: Pelosi Succeeds Sala Burton
In 1988, after Sala Burton's death, Nancy Pelosi won the special election to succeed her.
1989: Pelosi Criticizes Bush's China Policy
In 1989, Nancy Pelosi criticized President George H.W. Bush's approach to China after the Tiananmen Square protests. She believed Congress should oppose waiving the Jackson-Vanik Amendment for China, arguing that economic hardship would lead to democratic reforms.
December 1990: Ryan White CARE Act Signed into Law
In December 1990, the Ryan White CARE Act, co-authored by Nancy Pelosi, was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush. The act allocated funding dedicated to providing treatment and services for those impacted by HIV/AIDS.
1991: Pelosi Opposes U.S. Intervention in Gulf War
In 1991, Nancy Pelosi opposed U.S. intervention in the Gulf War.
1991: Pelosi Unfurls Banner in Tiananmen Square
In 1991, Nancy Pelosi, as part of a Congressional delegation, unfurled a banner in Tiananmen Square, leading to a confrontation with Chinese police. She also advocated for allowing Chinese political prisoners and dissidents to immigrate to the U.S.
1994: Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act
In 1994, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act became law, with Nancy Pelosi's help.
1995: Voted against the Balanced Budget Proposed Constitutional Amendment
In 1995, Nancy Pelosi voted against the Balanced Budget Proposed Constitutional Amendment, which passed the House but failed to reach the required supermajority in the Senate.
1995: Pelosi Votes in Favor of Jerusalem Embassy Act
In 1995, Nancy Pelosi voted in favor of the Jerusalem Embassy Act, urging the federal government to relocate the American embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
1996: Voted against the Defense of Marriage Act
In 1996, Nancy Pelosi voted against the Defense of Marriage Act.
1996: End of DNC Membership
In 1996, Nancy Pelosi's membership in the Democratic National Committee came to an end.
1999: Co-sponsored legislation omitting American Samoa from a minimum wage increase
As early as 1999, Nancy Pelosi co-sponsored legislation that omitted American Samoa from a raise in the minimum wage.
1999: Voted against displaying the Ten Commandments in public buildings
In 1999, Nancy Pelosi voted against displaying the Ten Commandments in public buildings, including schools.
1999: Pelosi Urges Clinton to Address 1989 Protests with Chinese Premier
In 1999, ahead of Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to the U.S., Nancy Pelosi called on President Clinton and Vice President Gore to urge Zhu to acknowledge the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests as a pro-democracy movement.
2000: Top Contributor to Congressional Campaigns
During the 2000 election cycle, Nancy Pelosi contributed the most money to other congressional campaigns among members of Congress.
2000: Alexandra Pelosi's Journalism
In 2000, Alexandra Pelosi, Nancy Pelosi's daughter, covered the Republican presidential campaigns and created the film Journeys with George about her experiences.
2001: CIA Allegedly misled Congress
According to a letter signed on June 26, 2009, CIA Director Leon Panetta had asserted that the CIA misled Congress for a "number of years" spanning back to 2001, although the letter provided no details.
2001: House Minority Whip
In 2001, Nancy Pelosi was elected House minority whip.
November 15, 2002: Pelosi Defeats Ford
On November 15, 2002, Nancy Pelosi defeated Harold Ford Jr. in a closed-door vote of caucus members to become the House Democratic Caucus's leader.
November 2002: Elected House Minority Leader
In November 2002, Nancy Pelosi was elected to replace Dick Gephardt as House minority leader.
2002: Top Contributor to Congressional Campaigns
During the 2002 election cycle, Nancy Pelosi contributed the most money to other congressional campaigns among members of Congress.
2002: Pelosi Opposes Iraq Resolution
In 2002, Nancy Pelosi opposed the Iraq Resolution authorizing President George W. Bush to use military force against Iraq, arguing for exhausting diplomatic remedies and respecting the United Nations.
2002: Briefed on the use of enhanced interrogation techniques
In 2002, as the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, Nancy Pelosi was briefed on the use of "enhanced interrogation techniques," including waterboarding, on a captured terrorist, Abu Zubaydah. She was assured the methods were legal at the time and did not raise substantial objections, according to unnamed former Bush administration officials.
2003: Fundraising
From 2003 to 2014, Pelosi raised more than $400 million in campaign funds.
2003: House Democrats Leader
In 2003, Nancy Pelosi became the leader of the House Democrats, a position she held until 2023.
2003: Voted against the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003
In 2003, Nancy Pelosi voted against the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003.
2003: Pelosi leaves Congressional Progressive Caucus
In 2003, Pelosi left the Congressional Progressive Caucus after being elected House minority leader, although she is still widely considered a liberal.
2003: Hoyer Elected House Majority Leader
In 2003, Steny Hoyer was elected House Majority Leader over John Murtha. Hoyer had been Pelosi's second-in-command since 2003.
2003: Concurred with objections to CIA interrogation techniques
In early 2003, Nancy Pelosi concurred with objections raised by Democratic colleague Jane Harman in a letter to the CIA regarding interrogation techniques.
2004: Gephardt Seeks Presidential Election
In 2004, Dick Gephardt was seeking the Democratic nomination in the 2004 presidential election.
2004: Voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment
In 2004, Nancy Pelosi voted against the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, which aimed to define marriage federally as between one man and one woman, overriding states' rights to legalize same-sex marriage.
2004: Seventh Reelection Campaign
In 2004, Nancy Pelosi won her seventh reelection campaign.
2004: Pelosi Opposes Bush's Social Security Reform Plan
In 2004, after being reelected, President Bush proposed reforming Social Security by allowing workers to redirect a portion of their Social Security withholding into stock and bond investments. Pelosi strongly opposed the plan, saying there was no crisis, leading her caucus to near-unanimous opposition, which resulted in the proposal's defeat.
2004: Democratic Party Lost Seats
In 2004, the Democratic Party lost three seats in the House elections, which coincided with Bush's reelection as president.
November 2005: Endorsed Murtha's Proposal
In November 2005, Nancy Pelosi held a press conference in which she endorsed John Murtha's proposal for the U.S. to begin a withdrawal of troops from Iraq at the "earliest predictable date".
May 2006: Pelosi Says Impeachment Investigation is "Off the Table"
In May 2006, Pelosi stated that an impeachment investigation of President Bush was "off the table", while emphasizing vigorous oversight of the Bush administration policy.
November 16, 2006: Democratic Caucus Nominates Pelosi for Speaker
On November 16, 2006, the Democratic caucus unanimously nominated Nancy Pelosi for speaker of the House, due to the Democrats gaining control of the House in the 2006 elections.
2006: Voter Registration
As of 2006, 13% of registered voters in the boundaries of Nancy Pelosi's district were Republican.
2006: Pelosi Votes on Palestinian Authority Election Initiative
Before the 2006 elections in the Palestinian Authority, Nancy Pelosi voted for a Congressional initiative that disapproved of participation in the elections by Hamas and other organizations defined as terrorist.
2006: Republican Advertisements Assailing Pelosi
Before the 2006 elections, Republicans made a concerted effort to taint public perception of Nancy Pelosi, running advertisements assailing her.
2006: Democrats regain the House majority
In 2006, Nancy Pelosi led the Democrats to a majority in the House for the first time in 12 years.
2006: Voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment
In 2006, Nancy Pelosi voted against the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, which aimed to define marriage federally as between one man and one woman, overriding states' rights to legalize same-sex marriage.
2006: Third-Largest Fundraiser
In 2006, Nancy Pelosi was the Democratic Party's third-largest fundraiser, behind Bill and Hillary Clinton.
2006: Focused on retaking the House majority
In 2006, Pelosi focused on retaking the House majority in her second term as minority leader, she worked to criticize the Bush administration more effectively and to contrast the Democratic Party with it.
2006: Democrats Take Control of the House
In 2006, the Democratic Party gained control of the House of Representatives. Pelosi commented the election of 2006 was a call to change in the direction for the country, especially regarding the war in Iraq.
January 4, 2007: Pelosi Elected Speaker of the House
On January 4, 2007, Nancy Pelosi was elected Speaker of the House, defeating Republican John Boehner.
January 5, 2007: Pelosi Condemns Bush's Plan to Increase Troop Levels in Iraq
On January 5, 2007, reacting to suggestions from President Bush's confidants that he would increase troop levels in Iraq, Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid condemned the plan and sent Bush a letter.
February 15, 2007: Pelosi Comments on Bush's Iran Policy
On February 15, 2007, Nancy Pelosi stated that she believed President Bush supported a diplomatic resolution with Iran. She also indicated that Congress should assert itself to make it clear that the president needed authorization before taking military action against Iran.
April 2007: Visit to Syria
In April 2007, Pelosi visited Syria and met with Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa, and President Bashar al-Assad, despite President Bush's efforts to isolate Syria.
May 2007: Pelosi Scolds Colombian President Uribe
In May 2007, Nancy Pelosi publicly scolded Colombian President Álvaro Uribe during his state visit to America, expressing concerns about alleged links between paramilitary groups and Colombian government officials. She also opposed the Colombian free-trade agreement.
2007: Pelosi Holds Firm Against Impeachment
After becoming Speaker in 2007, Nancy Pelosi maintained her opposition to impeaching President Bush, despite strong support for it among her constituents.
2007: Speaker of the House
In 2007, Nancy Pelosi became the 52nd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, a position she held until 2011.
2007: Pelosi's office stated she protested enhanced interrogation techniques
In 2007, Nancy Pelosi's office stated that she had protested the use of enhanced interrogation techniques at the time they were being used.
2007: Spearheaded the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007
In 2007, as Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi spearheaded the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, which raised the minimum wage in the United States and certain territories.
September 2008: Pelosi Hosts Reception with Israeli Knesset Speaker
In September 2008, Nancy Pelosi hosted a reception in Washington with Israeli Speaker of the Knesset Dalia Itzik, along with 20 members of Congress, where they celebrated the "strong friendship" between Israel and the United States.
2008: Welcomed the overturning of California's ban on same-sex marriage
In 2008, Nancy Pelosi released a statement welcoming the "historic decision" when the Supreme Court of California overturned the state's ban on marriage between same-sex couples. She also indirectly voiced her opposition to California Proposition 8, which defined marriage in California as a union between one man and one woman.
2008: Pelosi Opposes Cuba Embargo
In 2008, Nancy Pelosi stated her opposition to the embargo on Cuba, advocating for the removal of travel bans and increased people-to-people exchanges with Cuba.
2008: Pelosi Named Chair of Democratic National Convention
In 2008, Nancy Pelosi was named Permanent Chair of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.
2008: Pelosi Criticizes China on Tibet, Praises Sakharov Prize
In 2008, after meeting with the Dalai Lama, Nancy Pelosi condemned China's handling of unrest in Tibet. She also commended the European Parliament for awarding the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Chinese dissident Hu Jia and called for his release.
2008: Pelosi Faces Challenge Over Impeachment Stance
In the 2008 election, Nancy Pelosi withstood a challenge for her seat by antiwar activist Cindy Sheehan, who ran as an independent primarily because of Pelosi's refusal to pursue impeachment of President Bush.
January 25, 2009: ABC News Interview on Family Planning Services
In a January 25, 2009 interview with George Stephanopoulos for ABC News, Nancy Pelosi stated that her support for family planning services was partly motivated by the belief that they would "reduce costs to states and to the federal government."
March 2009: Controversy over Use of USAF Aircraft
In March 2009, emails obtained by Judicial Watch revealed Nancy Pelosi's staff requested a Boeing 757 from the United States Air Force for taxpayer-funded travel. Pelosi stated the policy was initiated by President Bush due to post-9/11 security concerns and was initially provided for the previous Speaker Dennis Hastert.
April 2009: Pelosi's Press Conference on Interrogation Techniques
In an April 2009 press conference, Nancy Pelosi stated that she and others were not told that waterboarding or other enhanced interrogation techniques were used, but were informed that the Office of Legislative Counsel had opinions that they could be used.
June 26, 2009: Democratic lawmakers alleged the CIA misled Congress
On June 26, 2009, several leading Democratic lawmakers in the House signed a letter alleging that CIA Director Leon Panetta had asserted that the CIA misled Congress for a "number of years" spanning back to 2001, casting doubts on the controversy surrounding interrogation techniques.
2009: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
In 2009, Nancy Pelosi helped pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
2009: Pelosi Reelected Speaker
In 2009, Nancy Pelosi was reelected as Speaker of the House.
January 2010: Pelosi Champions Affordable Care Act
After Republican Scott Brown won Democrat Ted Kennedy's former Senate seat in the January 2010 Massachusetts special election, Pelosi dismissed Obama's scaled-back healthcare ideas, convincing him to pursue full healthcare reform and rallied her caucus to pass the Affordable Care Act. Obama praised Pelosi as "one of the best speakers the House of Representatives has ever had."
November 17, 2010: Pelosi Elected House Minority Leader
On November 17, 2010, Nancy Pelosi was elected House Minority Leader after losing 63 seats and control of the House of Representatives to the Republicans. She defeated Representative Heath Shuler in the caucus vote.
2010: Tax Relief Act
In 2010, Nancy Pelosi helped pass the 2010 Tax Relief Act.
2010: Pelosi Backs Bill Naming China Currency Manipulator
In 2010, Nancy Pelosi supported a bill that would label China as a currency manipulator, a move intended to benefit exporters.
2010: Instrumental in passing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
In 2010, Nancy Pelosi was instrumental in passing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. She played a key role in convincing President Obama to persist with health-care reform efforts.
2010: Republican Ads against Pelosi
In the 2010 election cycle, Republicans spent more than $65 million on ads that negatively characterized or invoked Nancy Pelosi.
2011: End of First Speakership
In 2011, Nancy Pelosi's first term as Speaker of the House ended.
November 14, 2012: Pelosi Announces Intention to Remain Democratic Leader
On November 14, 2012, Nancy Pelosi announced that she intended to remain Democratic leader.
2012: Gun Control Ratings
In 2012, Nancy Pelosi received a 0% rating from Gun Owners of America and a 7% rating from the National Rifle Association of America due to her stances on gun control.
2012: Enactment of the STOCK Act
In 2012, the STOCK Act was enacted, which prohibits insider trading by lawmakers.
February 2013: Call for Bold Action on Gun Control
In February 2013, Nancy Pelosi called for the "Boldest possible move" on gun control, mirroring a stance previously taken by Gabby Giffords.
2014: Supported the Bush/Obama NSA surveillance program PRISM
As of 2014, Nancy Pelosi supported the Bush/Obama NSA surveillance program PRISM.
2014: Fundraising
From 2003 to 2014, Pelosi raised more than $400 million in campaign funds.
2014: Pelosi Supports Israel in the 2014 Israel-Gaza Conflict
In 2014, Pelosi supported Israel in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
July 2015: Pelosi Convinced Obama Has Votes for Iran Nuclear Deal
In July 2015, Nancy Pelosi expressed her conviction that President Obama would secure enough votes for the Iran nuclear deal, praising his presentation of the case and calling the deal "a diplomatic masterpiece".
2015: Pelosi Supports Cuban Thaw and Visits Havana
In 2015, Nancy Pelosi supported President Obama's Cuban Thaw, a rapprochement between the U.S. and Cuba, and visited Havana for meetings with high-level officials.
November 17, 2016: Ryan Bids to Replace Pelosi as House Minority Leader
On November 17, 2016, Tim Ryan of Ohio initiated a bid to replace Pelosi as House minority leader. She defeated Ryan on November 30 after agreeing to give more leadership opportunities to junior members.
2016: Pelosi Argues Against Bills Blocking Iran's Access to Dollar
In 2016, Nancy Pelosi argued against bills that would block Iran's access to the dollar and impose sanctions for its ballistic missile program, stating that the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) was the best way to prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon.
2016: Pelosi Discusses US Assistance to Israel
In 2016, Pelosi said that Democrats are taking "a great pride" in Barack Obama's Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that Israel signed with the Obama administration in 2016, for a guarantee of $38 billion in defense assistance over a decade.
2016: Russian Interference in the 2016 election
In November 2018, Pelosi said that Democrats beginning the impeachment process against Trump could be considered if credible evidence appeared during the ongoing investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
January 2017: Pelosi Votes Against Resolution Condemning UN Security Council Resolution 2334
In January 2017, Nancy Pelosi voted against a House resolution that would condemn UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which called Israeli settlement building in the West Bank a "flagrant violation" of international law. She also condemned the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel.
March 10, 2017: Expressed willingness to compromise on Affordable Care Act
On March 10, 2017, Nancy Pelosi stated that Democrats would continue fighting Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act but would be open to a compromise measure if Republicans sought support. She supported expanding Health Savings Accounts and emphasized the importance of Republicans accepting an expansion of Medicaid.
June 9, 2017: Criticism of President Trump's Tweets
On June 9, 2017, during a news conference, Nancy Pelosi criticized President Donald Trump's tweets about former FBI director James Comey, expressing concern about Trump's fitness for office and stating that no one at the White House seemed courageous enough to tell Trump his tweets were beneath the dignity of the presidency.
June 2017: Pelosi's Leadership Questioned After Special Election Losses
In June 2017, Pelosi's leadership was again questioned after Democrats lost four consecutive special elections in the House of Representatives. Some House Democrats held a closed-door meeting to discuss potential new Democratic leadership, while others publicly called for new leadership. Pelosi defended her leadership by saying, "I'm a master legislator."
August 2017: Pelosi Condemns Imprisonment of Hong Kong Democracy Activists
In August 2017, Nancy Pelosi criticized the imprisonment of Hong Kong democracy activists involved in a protest at the Civic Square, calling the ruling an injustice.
August 2017: Supported removal of Confederate monuments from the Capitol Building
In August 2017, Nancy Pelosi supported an initiative by Senator Cory Booker to remove Confederate monuments and memorials from the Capitol Building through legislation.
November 2017: Pelosi Calls for Conyers' Resignation and Convenes Meeting on Workplace Policies
In November 2017, after Pelosi called for John Conyers's resignation over allegations of harassment, she convened the first in a series of planned meetings on strategies to address reforming workplace policies in the wake of national attention to sexual harassment.
December 2017: Opposed the Trump tax reform
In December 2017, Nancy Pelosi opposed the tax reform signed by President Trump, describing it as detrimental to working middle-class families and increasing the debt.
2017: Criticized artworks depicting Confederate supporters in the Capitol
In 2017, Nancy Pelosi repeatedly criticized the presence of artworks in the United States Capitol that depicted individuals who supported the Confederacy during the American Civil War, including at least 10 statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection.
January 2018: Criticism of Trump's State of the Union Address
In January 2018, Nancy Pelosi criticized Trump's 2018 State of the Union Address as lacking serious policy ideas and questioned his refusal to implement Russian sanctions.
January 2018: Called tax cut bonuses "crumbs"
In January 2018, Nancy Pelosi responded to companies crediting tax cuts with wage increases and bonuses by stating that the benefits workers received were "crumbs" compared to what corporations gained.
February 2018: Pelosi's record-breaking House speech on DREAMers
In February 2018, Pelosi broke the record for the longest House speech, using the "magic minute" custom to speak for over eight hours, recounting stories from DREAMers. She objected to a budget deal that would raise spending caps without addressing the future of DACA recipients, who were at risk of deportation by the Trump administration.
March 2018: Pelosi Urges Trump to Focus on China and Impose Punishments
In March 2018, Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders urged President Trump to take stronger actions against China, including labeling China a currency manipulator and stopping the pressure on U.S. tech companies to give up intellectual property rights.
March 2018: Pelosi on the State of Israel
In March 2018, Pelosi said, "There is no greater political accomplishment in the 20th Century than the establishment of the State of Israel."
May 2018: Pelosi Criticizes Trump's Withdrawal from Iran Nuclear Deal
In May 2018, after President Trump announced his intention to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, Nancy Pelosi called the decision an abdication of American leadership and described it as "particularly senseless, disturbing & dangerous".
July 2018: Stated Democrats' goal to expand health coverage
In July 2018, Nancy Pelosi said that Democrats' goal "has always been to expand coverage and to do so in a way that improves benefits and we have to address the affordability issue that is so undermined by the Republicans."
August 2018: Requested further aid for California wildfires
In August 2018, after Trump signed an emergency declaration for federal aid in response to the Carr Fire in Northern California, Nancy Pelosi requested that he approve California Governor Jerry Brown's request for further aid to other areas affected by wildfires, and called for action on climate change.
November 2018: Spoke with Trump about infrastructure development
In November 2018, Nancy Pelosi discussed infrastructure development with President Trump, noting potential bipartisan legislative initiatives to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
November 2018: Committed to protecting the Affordable Care Act as Speaker
In November 2018, after Democrats gained a majority in the House in the midterm elections, Nancy Pelosi stated, "I'm staying as Speaker to protect the Affordable Care Act. That's my main issue, because I think that's, again, about the health and financial health of the America's families, and if Hillary had won, I could go home."
November 2018: Response to Thousand Oaks Shooting
In November 2018, after the Thousand Oaks shooting, Nancy Pelosi released a statement pledging that gun control would be a priority for House Democrats in the 116th United States Congress.
November 2018: Democrats Gain Control of the House
In November 2018, the Democrats gained control of the House of Representatives, and Nancy Pelosi took office as Speaker.
December 2018: Meeting with Trump and Pence
In December 2018, Nancy Pelosi and Charles E. Schumer met with Trump and Pence to discuss changes to be made when the new Democratic representatives take office in 2019.
2018: Democrats Regain House Majority
In 2018, the Democrats regained majority control of the House, and Nancy Pelosi was again elected speaker.
2018: Democrats beginning the impeachment process against Trump
In November 2018, Nancy Pelosi said that Democrats beginning the impeachment process against Trump in the event they won a majority of seats in the 2018 elections, it would not be one of their legislative priorities but that the option could be considered if credible evidence appeared during the ongoing investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
January 3, 2019: Pelosi reelected as Speaker of the House
On January 3, 2019, Pelosi was reelected as Speaker of the House at the start of the 116th Congress, after securing 220 House Democrats' votes. She agreed to not stay in the role for more than four years.
January 2019: Support for Juan Guaidó
In January 2019, Nancy Pelosi supported President Trump in his decision to back the leader of the opposition Juan Guaidó during Venezuelan protests and constitutional crisis.
March 2019: Pelosi on Israel and America
In March 2019, Pelosi said, "Israel and America are connected now and forever. We will never allow anyone to make Israel a wedge issue."
April 2019: Trump Vows to Defy House Subpoenas
In April 2019, President Trump vowed to defy "all" subpoenas from the House and to refuse to allow current or former administration officials to testify before House committees.
May 1, 2019: Met with Trump and Schumer about infrastructure funding
On May 1, 2019, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer met with President Trump to discuss infrastructure funding.
May 2019: Accusations of Obstruction of Justice
In May 2019, Nancy Pelosi described Trump's interference regarding Don McGahn's records as an obstruction of justice, saying that "Trump is goading us to impeach him." Later that month, Pelosi declared "we believe that the president of the United States is engaged in a cover-up".
June 5, 2019: Pelosi's desire to see Trump in prison
On June 5, 2019, during a meeting with senior Democrats about whether the House should launch impeachment proceeding against Trump, Pelosi said, "I don't want to see him impeached, I want to see him in prison."
September 2019: Pelosi Meets with Hong Kong Activist Joshua Wong
In September 2019, Nancy Pelosi met with Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong on Capitol Hill, prompting criticism from Chinese media who accused her of supporting radical activists.
September 2019: Announcement of House Impeachment Inquiry
In September 2019, following revelations of the Trump–Ukraine scandal, Nancy Pelosi announced the beginning of a formal House impeachment inquiry, citing violations of the Constitution and asserting that "no one is above the law."
September 29, 2019: Pelosi announces impeachment inquiry against Trump
On September 29, 2019, Pelosi announced the launch of an impeachment inquiry against Trump.
December 5, 2019: Pelosi authorizes drafting of impeachment articles
On December 5, 2019, after the impeachment inquiry had taken place, Pelosi authorized the Judiciary Committee to begin drafting articles of impeachment against Trump.
December 2019: First Impeachment of President Donald Trump
In December 2019, the House impeached President Donald Trump for the first time.
December 18, 2019: House Votes to Impeach Trump
On December 18, 2019, the House voted nearly along party lines to impeach Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, making him the third president in U.S. history to be impeached. Pelosi described Trump's actions as reckless and stated that impeachment was necessary.
2019: Returns as Speaker of the House
In 2019, Nancy Pelosi again became the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
2019: Called climate change the existential threat of our time
In 2019, Nancy Pelosi described climate change as "the existential threat of our time" and advocated for action to address it. She supported developing new technologies to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil and to remediate the environmental effects of burning fossil fuels.
2019: Spoke in Congress in favor of the Equality Act
In 2019, Nancy Pelosi spoke in Congress in favor of the Equality Act and called for an end to discrimination against LGBT people. She also opposed Trump's transgender military ban.
January 15, 2020: House Transmits Articles of Impeachment to the Senate
On January 15, 2020, the House transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate, with Pelosi naming seven Democratic Representatives, led by Representative Adam Schiff, as the House managers to argue the impeachment case against Trump in the Senate.
June 2020: Pushed for the removal of Confederate statues from the Capitol
In June 2020, following nationwide protests over the murder of George Floyd, Nancy Pelosi advocated for the removal of all statues of Confederates from the Capitol. On June 18, 2020, she ordered the removal of four paintings of former Confederates in the Capitol Speaker's Gallery.
October 8, 2020: Introduction of Legislation on 25th Amendment
On October 8, 2020, Nancy Pelosi announced that legislation was being introduced in the House of Representatives to advance the creation of a commission to allow the use of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution to intervene and remove Trump from executive duties.
2020: Desire to see Trump lose to a Democrat in the 2020 election
In May 2019, Pelosi wanted to see Trump lose to a Democrat in the 2020 election, following which he could be prosecuted.
January 2021: Second Impeachment of President Donald Trump
In January 2021, the House impeached President Donald Trump for the second time.
December 2021: Pelosi announces candidacy for reelection
In December 2021, Pelosi announced her candidacy for reelection to the House in 2022. She had previously agreed not to stay on as speaker beyond January 2023.
2021: Key role in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
In 2021, Pelosi played a key role in the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
2021: Highest Ranking Woman
Until 2021, Nancy Pelosi was the highest-ranking woman in the presidential line of succession in U.S. history.
August 2, 2022: Pelosi Visits Taiwan
On August 2, 2022, Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, becoming the highest-ranking U.S. official to do so in 25 years. The visit, despite discouragement from President Biden, was supported by some Republicans and triggered retaliatory measures from China. Pelosi affirmed the U.S. Congress's commitment to Taiwan and met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen, calling Taiwan one of the "freest societies in the world".
October 2022: Voting in Line with Biden's Position
As of October 2022, Nancy Pelosi had voted in line with Joe Biden's stated position 100% of the time.
November 29, 2022: Pelosi named "speaker emerita"
On November 29, 2022, the Steering and Policy Committee of the House Democratic Caucus honorarily named Pelosi "speaker emerita" in the upcoming 118th U.S. Congress.
2022: Passage of CHIPS and Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and Honoring our PACT Act
During the 117th Congress in 2022, the CHIPS and Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 (PACT Act) were passed.
2022: Republican Ads against Pelosi
During the 2022 election cycle, Republicans ran more than $50 million in ads that negatively characterized or invoked Nancy Pelosi.
2022: Pelosi reelected but Democrats lose House majority
In 2022, Pelosi was reelected to the House, but the Democratic Party lost the House majority. She announced ten days later that she would not seek a Democratic leadership post in the next Congress.
2022: End of Speakership
In 2022, Republicans retook control of the House, ending Nancy Pelosi's tenure as speaker.
2022: Pelosi Warns Athletes at Beijing Olympics
In 2022, on the eve of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, Nancy Pelosi advised American athletes to avoid provoking the Chinese government due to its ruthlessness.
January 2023: End of Pelosi's speakership
In January 2023, Pelosi's agreement to not stay on as speaker past this date came to fruition.
2023: End of Second Speakership
In 2023, Nancy Pelosi's second term as Speaker of the House ended, and she concluded her 20-year run as House party leader.
January 28, 2024: Pelosi Suggests Possible Russia Connection to Pro-Palestinian Protests
On January 28, 2024, Nancy Pelosi suggested that some pro-Palestinian protesters calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza war could be connected to Russia and called on the FBI to investigate the possible connection.
2025: PELOSI Act reintroduced
In early 2025, Senator Josh Hawley reintroduced the Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act, following calls for new legislation banning stock trading by members of Congress and their families.
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