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 from 2007-2011 and 2019-2023. As a Democrat, she was the first woman to hold the Speakership and lead a major party in Congress, heading House Democrats from 2003-2023. Representing California's 11th district since 1987, encompassing much of San Francisco, she holds the distinction of being the dean of California's congressional delegation.
1912: Mother's Immigration to the U.S.
In 1912, Nancy Pelosi's mother emigrated to the U.S.
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March 26, 1940: Nancy Pelosi's Birth
On March 26, 1940, Nancy Patricia Pelosi, née D'Alesandro, was born. She would later become the 52nd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
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1958: Graduation from the Institute of Notre Dame
In 1958, Nancy Pelosi graduated from the Institute of Notre Dame, an all-girls Catholic high school in Baltimore.
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January 1961: Attended Kennedy's Inaugural Address
In January 1961, Nancy Pelosi attended President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address.
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1962: Graduation from Trinity College
In 1962, Nancy Pelosi graduated from Trinity College (now Trinity Washington University) in Washington, D.C., with a Bachelor of Arts in political science.
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1962: Graduation from Trinity College
In 1962, Nancy Pelosi graduated from Trinity College, Washington.
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September 7, 1963: Nancy D'Alesandro marries Paul Francis Pelosi
On September 7, 1963, Nancy D'Alesandro married Paul Francis Pelosi in Baltimore at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. This marked the beginning of their lifelong relationship.
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1967: Brother Thomas D'Alesandro III Elected Baltimore City Council President
In 1967, Nancy Pelosi's brother, Thomas D'Alesandro III, was elected Baltimore City Council president.
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1971: Brother Thomas D'Alesandro III Served as Mayor
From 1967 to 1971, Nancy Pelosi's brother, Thomas D'Alesandro III, served as mayor.
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1974: Largest House Seat Gain
The 2006 elections picked up 30 seats, the party's largest House seat gain since the 1974 elections held in the wake of the Watergate scandal.
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1986: Sala Burton's Illness
In late 1986, Sala Burton became ill with cancer.
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February 1, 1987: Death of Sala Burton
On February 1, 1987, Sala Burton died one month after being sworn in for a second full term.
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1988: Sala Burton Decided Not to Run for Reelection
In 1988, Sala Burton decided not to run for reelection.
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2006: Voter Registration in Pelosi's District
As of 2006, 13% of registered voters in the boundaries of Pelosi's district were Republican.
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October 2022: Paul Pelosi Attacked at Home
In October 2022, while 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, David DePape, was convicted on federal and state charges and sentenced to life without parole.
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December 2024: Pelosi Hospitalized After Hip Fracture
In December 2024, Pelosi was hospitalized after fracturing her hip while falling down stairs in high heels during an official trip to Luxembourg. She underwent hip replacement surgery on December 14 at a U.S. military hospital in Germany.
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