Nancy Pelosi announced she will not seek re-election as leader of the House Democratic Caucus after nearly 20 years at the helm, after Democrats narrowly lost the majority in the chamber during the midterm elections.
With great confidence in our caucus, I will not seek re-election to Democratic leadership in the next Congress," said Pelosi. "For me, the hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus that I so deeply respect, and I'm grateful that so many are ready and willing to shoulder this awesome responsibility."
"There is no greater special honor for me than to stand on this floor and to speak for the people of San Francisco. This I will continue to do as a member of the House speaking for the people of San Francisco, serving the great state of California and defending our Constitution," she continued.
The 82-year-old made the announcement Thursday on the House floor. Pelosi has led House Democrats since 2003, including two four-year stints as speaker.