The Brief

Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she will retire from Congress, ending speculation that one of the most powerful women in American politics would seek another term.

A historic career nears its end

The early-morning announcement on social media from the Speaker Emerita comes after Californians voted to redraw the state’s congressional maps — a move that could add as many as five Democratic-held seats to Congress to counter Texas Republicans’ move to redraw their own maps at Trump’s request.

Pelosi’s departure will cap a storied political career spanning nearly four decades. Her current term ends in January 2027, but her decision not to run in 2026 opens the door for new Democratic voices to seek her San Francisco House seat.

New candidates step forward

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