Early Life and Education of Nancy Pelosi: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Nancy Pelosi. From birth to education, explore key events.

Nancy Pelosi is an American politician notable for being the 52nd Speaker of the House, serving two terms (2007-2011 and 2019-2023). As a Democrat, she was the first woman to hold the Speakership and the first woman to lead a major party in Congress. Representing California's 11th congressional district since 1987, she led the House Democrats from 2003 to 2023. Her career marks a significant milestone for women in American politics and reflects a long tenure in Congress.

Sections (7)

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

1912: Pelosi's mother emigrated to the U.S.

In 1912, Pelosi's mother, originating from Fornelli, Southern Italy, emigrated to the U.S.

March 26, 1940: Nancy Pelosi Born

On March 26, 1940, Nancy Patricia Pelosi, née D'Alesandro, was born. She later became the 52nd Speaker of the House.

Others born on this day/year

1958: Pelosi graduated from the Institute of Notre Dame

In 1958, Pelosi graduated from the Institute of Notre Dame, an all-girls Catholic high school in Baltimore.

1962: Graduation from Trinity College

In 1962, Nancy Pelosi graduated from Trinity College, Washington.

September 7, 1963: Nancy D'Alesandro marries Paul Francis Pelosi

On September 7, 1963, Nancy D'Alesandro married Paul Francis Pelosi at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore.

1967: Brother Elected Baltimore City Council President

In 1967, Pelosi's brother, Thomas D'Alesandro III, was elected Baltimore City Council president.

1969: The Pelosis move to San Francisco

In 1969, Nancy and Paul Pelosi moved to San Francisco, where her husband's brother Ronald Pelosi was a member of the City and County of San Francisco's Board of Supervisors.

1971: Brother served as mayor until 1971

Pelosi's brother served as mayor until 1971.

1976: Elected as Democratic National Committee member

In 1976, Pelosi was elected as a Democratic National Committee member from California.

1983: Phillip Burton Died

In 1983, Phillip Burton died.

1987: First Elected to Congress

In 1987, Nancy Pelosi was first elected to Congress in a special election.

1989: Tiananmen Square protests

In 1989, the Tiananmen Square protests took place.

1992: Pelosi runs in California's 8th congressional district

In 1992, after redistricting, Nancy Pelosi ran in California's 8th congressional district, which now covered the San Francisco area.

1996: Served as Democratic National Committee member until 1996

Pelosi served as Democratic National Committee member until 1996.

2000: Alexandra Pelosi covers Republican presidential campaigns

In 2000, Nancy Pelosi's daughter, Alexandra, who is a journalist, covered the Republican presidential campaigns and later made a film about the experience, Journeys with George.

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2004: Gephardt Resigned to seek the Democratic nomination in the 2004 presidential election

In November 2002, Gephardt resigned as House minority leader to seek the Democratic nomination in the 2004 presidential election.

2006: Capture of Israeli soldiers

In 2006, Israeli soldiers were captured by Hezbollah and Hamas.

2007: Christine Pelosi publishes "Campaign Boot Camp: Basic Training for Future Leaders"

In 2007, Nancy Pelosi's daughter, Christine, published a book titled "Campaign Boot Camp: Basic Training for Future Leaders".

Campaign Boot Camp: Basic Training for Future Leaders

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2009: Pelosi's net worth estimated at $58 million

In 2009, OpenSecrets estimated Nancy Pelosi's net worth at $58 million, making her the 13th-wealthiest member of Congress.

2010: Pelosi runs in California's 12th congressional district after redistricting

After redistricting from the 2010 census, Nancy Pelosi ran in California's 12th congressional district, which she represented for the next decade.

2012: Pelosi's net worth reported at $26.4 million

In 2012, Business Insider reported that Nancy Pelosi's net worth was $26.4 million, making her the 13th-richest member of Congress.

2014: Pelosi's net worth reported at $101 million

In 2014, OpenSecrets reported that Nancy Pelosi's net worth had almost doubled to about $101 million, making her the 8th-wealthiest member of Congress.

2016: Pelosi's financial disclosure report lists assets

Nancy Pelosi's 2016 financial disclosure report lists her assets as a combined home and vineyard in St. Helena, California, two commercial buildings in San Francisco, and a townhouse in Loomis, California.

2018: Pelosi's net worth estimated at $16.0 million

In 2018, Roll Call estimated Nancy Pelosi's net worth at $16.0 million, making her the 30th-wealthiest member of Congress.

2020: Pelosi represents California's 11th congressional district after redistricting

Due to the 2020 United States redistricting cycle, Nancy Pelosi now represents California's 11th congressional district, which covers San Francisco.

January 2021: Pelosi's San Francisco home vandalized

In January 2021, Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home was vandalized with graffiti, messages of "[c]ancel rent", fake blood, and a severed pig's head.

April 7, 2022: Archbishop communicates concerns to Pelosi about abortion stance

On April 7, 2022, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone communicated his concerns to Nancy Pelosi regarding her pro-choice abortion policies. He stated that if she did not publicly repudiate her advocacy for abortion 'rights' or refrain from referring to her Catholic faith in public and receiving Holy Communion, he would have no choice but to make a declaration that she is not to be admitted to Holy Communion.

April 30, 2022: Pelosi meets with Zelenskyy in Kyiv

On April 30, 2022, Nancy Pelosi met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, pledging U.S. support for Ukraine during the Russian invasion.

May 20, 2022: Pelosi barred from receiving Holy Communion by archbishop

On May 20, 2022, Salvatore Cordileone, the archbishop of San Francisco, announced that Nancy Pelosi would be barred from receiving Holy Communion due to her support of pro-choice abortion policies.

June 29, 2022: Pelosi receives Communion at Papal Mass

On June 29, 2022, Nancy Pelosi received Communion at a Papal Mass presided over by Pope Francis in Rome at St. Peter's Basilica.

October 2022: Paul Pelosi attacked in San Francisco home

In October 2022, while Nancy Pelosi was in Washington, D.C., an intruder entered her San Francisco home demanding to know her whereabouts, and attacked her husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer. The assailant was later convicted.

December 2024: Pelosi hospitalized after hip fracture

In December 2024, Nancy Pelosi was hospitalized after fracturing her hip while falling down stairs during an official trip to Luxembourg. On December 14, she underwent hip replacement surgery at a U.S. military hospital in Germany.