Challenges in the Life of Nancy Pelosi in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Nancy Pelosi faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Nancy Pelosi is a prominent American politician, notably serving as the 52nd Speaker of the House, twice holding the position. As a Democrat representing California since 1987, she made history as the first female Speaker and the first woman to lead a major party in Congress. She led House Democrats from 2003 to 2023, marking a significant career in American politics. Her district currently encompasses most of San Francisco.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2002: Opposed Iraq Resolution

In 2002, Nancy Pelosi opposed the Iraq Resolution authorizing President George W. Bush to use military force against Iraq.

2004: Pelosi Opposes Social Security Reform

In 2004, after being reelected, President Bush proposed reforming Social Security, but Pelosi opposed the plan, imposing party discipline and leading her caucus to near-unanimous opposition, which resulted in the proposal being defeated.

2004: Democratic Party Lost Seats in the House Elections

In the 2004 House elections, the Democratic Party lost three seats, coinciding with Bush's reelection as president.

2007: Pelosi Held Firm Against Impeachment

After becoming speaker in 2007, Nancy Pelosi held firm against impeaching President Bush, despite strong support for it among her constituents.

2008: Pelosi Withstood Challenge by Cindy Sheehan

In the 2008 election, Nancy Pelosi withstood a challenge for her seat by antiwar activist Cindy Sheehan, who ran as an independent because of Pelosi's refusal to pursue impeachment.

November 2010: Pelosi's Record as Speaker Called "Mixed"

In November 2010, after Democrats lost their House majority, Politico writer John Bresnahan called Nancy Pelosi's record as speaker "mixed", noting her power but also her unpopularity and the negative impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on the party's electoral performance.

November 17, 2010: Pelosi Sought to Continue Leading House Democratic Caucus

On November 17, 2010, Nancy Pelosi sought to continue leading the House Democratic Caucus as minority leader after the Democrats lost control of the House. She defeated Representative Heath Shuler in the caucus vote.

2010: Republicans Run Anti-Pelosi Advertisements

In 2010, ahead of the House elections, the Republican National Committee used the slogan "Fire Pelosi" after the House passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Republicans spent $65 million on anti-Pelosi advertisements.

2010: Republican Party Retakes the House

In the 2010 midterm elections, the Republican Party retook the majority in the House, and Nancy Pelosi lost the speakership.

August 2016: Personal Contact Information Posted Online

In August 2016, Nancy Pelosi said her personal contact information was posted online after a cyberattack, leading to "obscene and sick calls, voice mails and text messages."

November 17, 2016: Tim Ryan Bids to Replace Pelosi

On November 17, 2016, Tim Ryan initiated a bid to replace Nancy Pelosi as House minority leader.

2016: Russian Interference in US Elections

In 2016, Russia interfered in the United States elections, which was the subject of an FBI investigation that was later criticized in a memo prepared by Republican staff under House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes. This memo and the FBI investigation were referenced by Nancy Pelosi in a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan in February 2018.

June 2017: Pelosi's Leadership Called into Question

In June 2017, after Democrats lost four consecutive special elections, Nancy Pelosi's leadership was questioned. Some House Democrats discussed potential new leadership, while Pelosi defended her position and leadership.

February 2018: Pelosi's Letter to Speaker Ryan

In February 2018, Nancy Pelosi addressed a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan concerning the proposed public release of a memo prepared by Republican staff under House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, criticizing the FBI's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 elections. Pelosi noted warnings from the FBI and the Department of Justice that the memo was inaccurate and its release could compromise national security by revealing federal surveillance methods.

February 2018: Record-Breaking House Speech on DREAMers

In February 2018, Nancy Pelosi delivered the longest House speech on record, utilizing the "magic minute" custom to speak for over eight hours. She recounted stories from DREAMers, individuals brought to the United States as minors by undocumented immigrants, to protest a budget deal that would raise spending caps without addressing the future of DACA recipients facing deportation by the Trump administration.

May 2018: Call for Bipartisan Briefing on FBI Informant

In May 2018, following the White House's invitation of two Republicans, excluding Democrats, to a Department of Justice briefing concerning an FBI informant who had engaged with the Trump campaign, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer jointly addressed a letter to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and FBI Director Wray. Their letter requested a bipartisan "Gang of Eight briefing" involving congressional leadership from both chambers.

August 2018: Call for Duncan D. Hunter's Resignation

In August 2018, Nancy Pelosi urged Duncan D. Hunter to resign from his position following his indictment on charges related to the misuse of at least $250,000 in campaign funds. She described the charges as evidence of a pervasive culture of corruption among Republicans in Washington.

2018: Government Shutdown

In 2018, Nancy Pelosi opposed Trump's attempts to use the federal government shutdown as leverage to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.

January 25, 2019: Trump Signs Stopgap Bill to Reopen Government

On January 25, 2019, after his popularity declined due to the government shutdown, President Trump signed a stopgap bill to reopen the government for three weeks without border wall funding, allowing negotiations on an appropriations bill. He reiterated his demand for funding, threatening another shutdown or declaring a national emergency if Congress did not appropriate funds by February 15.

September 29, 2019: Pelosi Announces Impeachment Inquiry Against Trump

On September 29, 2019, Nancy Pelosi declared the launch of an impeachment inquiry into President Trump.

December 5, 2019: Authorization to Draft Articles of Impeachment

On December 5, 2019, following the impeachment inquiry, Nancy Pelosi authorized the Judiciary Committee to begin drafting articles of impeachment against President Trump.

September 2020: Hair Salon Visit Controversy

In early September 2020, footage emerged showing Nancy Pelosi visiting a hair salon in San Francisco, violating regulations that prohibited indoor services at the time. Facing criticism for alleged hypocrisy from Trump and the salon owners, Pelosi described the situation as a "setup," while her stylist and other Democrats defended her.

April 2021: Criticism for Immigration Stance

In April 2021, House Republicans criticized Nancy Pelosi for stating that immigration under the Biden administration was "on a good path" following a peak in southern border crossings.

2022: Pelosi Reelected, Democrats Lose House Majority

In 2022, Nancy Pelosi was reelected to the House; however, the Democratic Party lost its majority. This affected Pelosi's decision to not seek a Democratic leadership post.

2024: Effort to Pressure Biden to Withdraw Candidacy

Amid concerns about President Biden's reelection prospects in the 2024 presidential election, Nancy Pelosi played a key role in the effort to pressure him to withdraw his candidacy before the Democratic National Convention.