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 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.

Sections (7)

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

1912: Mother's Emigration to the U.S.

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

March 26, 1940: Nancy Pelosi's Birth

On March 26, 1940, Nancy Patricia Pelosi (née D'Alesandro) was born.

Others born on this day/year

1958: Graduation from Institute of Notre Dame

In 1958, Nancy 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: Marriage to Paul Pelosi

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

1967: Brother's Election as Baltimore City Council President

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

1971: End of Brother's Mayorship

In 1971, Thomas D'Alesandro III's tenure as mayor of Baltimore came to an end.

1974: Trade Act of 1974

The Trade Act of 1974, was an amendment mentioned in Pelosi's criticism of Bush's China policy. The amendment required the president to inform Congress if he intended to waive the Act to have a most favored nation trading relationship with a non-market economy.

1983: Death of Phillip Burton

In 1983, Phillip Burton died.

1989: Tiananmen Square Protests

In 1989, Pelosi urged Clinton to recognize the Tiananmen Square protests as a pro-democracy movement.

1998: Abortion Funding Amendment Vote

In 1998, Nancy Pelosi voted in favor of the Abortion Funding Amendment, which would have permitted the use of district funds for abortion-related activities while prohibiting the use of federal funds.

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.

Loading Video...

2001: Pelosi votes for USA Patriot Act

In 2001, Pelosi voted in favor of the USA Patriot Act.

2002: Del Monte acquired StarKist Tuna

In 2002, Del Monte Foods acquired StarKist Tuna.

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.

2005: Pelosi votes against reauthorization of certain Patriot Act provisions

In 2005, Pelosi voted against the reauthorization of certain provisions of the USA Patriot Act.

2006: Hezbollah and Hamas Capture Israeli Soldiers

In 2006, Hezbollah and Hamas captured three Israeli soldiers, which Pelosi referenced as a "symbol of the sacrifices made, sacrifices far too great by the people of the state of Israel".

2006: Pelosi votes against the Secure Fence Act

In 2006, Pelosi voted against the Secure Fence Act.

January 12, 2007: Resolution Introduced Regarding Military Force Against Iran

On January 12, 2007, Congressman Walter B. Jones introduced a resolution requiring presidential consultation with Congress and specific authorization before initiating military force against Iran, unless in response to an attack.

2007: Christine Pelosi's Book Publication

In 2007, Christine Pelosi published a book titled Campaign Boot Camp: Basic Training for Future Leaders.

Campaign Boot Camp: Basic Training for Future Leaders

Check it on Amazon

2008: Rebuked by Archbishop Donald Wuerl

In 2008, Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., rebuked Nancy Pelosi for her remarks to Tom Brokaw on Meet the Press regarding Church teaching on abortion and the commencement of human life, stating that the Church has not been able to define when life begins.

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.

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."

February 2009: Meeting with Archbishop and Pope Benedict XVI

In February 2009, Nancy Pelosi met with Archbishop George Hugh Niederauer of San Francisco and Pope Benedict XVI to address the controversy surrounding her statements on Church teaching regarding abortion.

2009: Estimated Net Worth in 2009

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

2012: Reported Net Worth in 2012

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

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: Expressed views on LGBT rights based on Catholic faith

In 2012, Nancy Pelosi stated that her support for LGBT rights, including same-sex marriage, stems from her Catholic faith, putting her at odds with Catholic doctrine. She considered the ban on gay marriage a form of unconstitutional discrimination.

2012: Committees created to investigate Planned Parenthood and Benghazi

In February 2018, Pelosi stated Republicans had previously created committees to investigate Planned Parenthood and the 2012 Benghazi attack.

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: Estimated Net Worth in 2014

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

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.

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.

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.

February 2018: Response to Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting

In February 2018, following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Nancy Pelosi criticized Republicans for "cowering" to the gun lobby and requested action from House Speaker Ryan to consider legislation expanding background checks and authorizing research on gun violence. She also called for a special committee on gun violence.

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: Estimated Net Worth in 2018

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

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 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.

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.

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.

June 29, 2022: Received Communion at Papal Mass

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

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.

October 2022: Attack on Paul Pelosi

In October 2022, while Pelosi was in Washington, D.C., an intruder entered her San Francisco home and attacked her husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer.

2022: Pelosi Opposes Overturning of Roe v. Wade

In 2022, Nancy Pelosi opposed the overturning of Roe v. Wade, describing it as "cruel", "outrageous", and "heart-wrenching".

December 2024: Hospitalization After Hip Fracture

In December 2024, 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 Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.