How Nancy Pelosi Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Nancy Pelosi across different fields.

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

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.

March 2010: Pelosi Assessed as Possibly Most Powerful Woman

In March 2010, Nancy Pelosi was assessed as possibly the most powerful woman in U.S. history and among the most powerful speakers of the previous 100 years.

November 2010: Analysts Weigh In on Pelosi's Speakership

In November 2010, various analysts weighed in on Pelosi's speakership, following the Democrats losing their House majority.

2010: Scholars Assess Pelosi's Speakership

Later in 2010, Pelosi was assessed as the "most powerful House speaker since Sam Rayburn a half century ago", and "one of the most partisan". Scholars favorably assessed Pelosi's first speakership, with some declaring that she would rank high among modern speakers, highlighting the passage of the Affordable Care Act and her handling of political polarization.

April 2018: Pelosi as most effective congressional leader

In April 2018, Peter Beinart wrote in The Atlantic that Pelosi had been "the most effective congressional leader of modern times—and, not coincidentally, the most vilified."

2018: Pelosi Deemed Strongest, Most Effective Speaker of Modern Times

In 2018, Nancy Pelosi was deemed the "strongest and most effective speaker of modern times" during her first speakership.

2018: Pelosi's Legacy and Influence

In 2018, Robert Draper wrote for The New York Times Magazine about Pelosi's legacy and influence.

June 2019: Pelosi compared to Tip O'Neill

In June 2019, Brent Budowsky opined in The Hill that Pelosi had been "the most important, consequential and effective Speaker since Tip O'Neill" as well as "one of the greatest Speakers who ever served."

January 2020: Pelosi as the most powerful House speaker in 25 years

In January 2020, on the eve of Trump's first impeachment trial, Washington Post political writer Paul Kane called Pelosi the most powerful House speaker in at least 25 years.

2021: Pelosi as the most powerful House speaker in U.S. history

In 2021, former Republican speaker John Boehner opined that Pelosi had been the most powerful House speaker in U.S. history.

2021: Highest Ranking Woman

Until 2021, Nancy Pelosi was the highest-ranking woman in the presidential line of succession in U.S. history.

November 2022: Pelosi as most effective speaker ever

In November 2022, Chris Cillizza wrote that Pelosi was "the most effective speaker ever." Johnathan Bernstein opined for The Washington Post and Bloomberg News that Pelosi was "the greatest speaker in history." Jackie Calmes of the Los Angeles Times shared the same opinion. Sarah Ferris of Politico called Pelosi "a legislative giant regarded as one of the most powerful speakers in modern U.S. history."