In a speech on the House floor Thursday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that she will not run for a leadership post, a move that marks the end of an era and sets up a major shakeup for House Democrats.
The California Democrat touted the party’s legislative achievements under her leadership before saying: “Now we must move boldly into the future.”
“The hour’s come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus,” the speaker said.
Pelosi said she will continue “speaking for the people of San Francisco” as their congresswoman, but not seek re-election to a leadership post.
She also thanked her husband, Paul, for being a “pillar of support” and said she was grateful for all the well-wishes that they have received for his continued recovery following a brutal attack.
“For my dear husband Paul, who has been my beloved partner in life and my pillar of support, thank you. We’re all grateful for all the prayers and well-wishes as he continues his recovery. Thank you so much,” Pelosi said as her colleagues on the House floor stood and applauded.
Pelosi said that when she first visited the capital as a child, she never imagined she would go “from a house maker to House speaker.”
Her announcement comes after Democrats lost a majority in the lower chamber but maintained control of the Senate in the 2022 midterms, holding off a potentially larger “red wave.”
Watch portions of her speech below:
interesting to watch which members are giving standing ovations during Pelosi's speech and which aren't pic.twitter.com/TnT4P9qu7B
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 17, 2022
BREAKING: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: "I will not seek reelection to Democratic leadership in the next Congress. For me the hour's come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus."
MORE: https://t.co/7LVb2Jgg2p pic.twitter.com/XwuW8VbnIB
— ABC News (@ABC) November 17, 2022
