Pelosi has been a hallmark of politics for decades. But her star is waning.
Now these Nancy Pelosi resignation rumors are rattling the U.S. Capitol.
Pelosi’s Unyielding Grip on Power
Nancy Pelosi is holding firm to her influence over the Democratic Party, undeterred by the party’s sweeping losses in the 2024 elections. Insiders tell the New York Post that despite growing calls for her to step aside, the former Speaker is resolute in maintaining her dominance.
The 2024 defeat, which saw Democrats lose control of the White House, Senate, and House, has fueled demands for new leadership. Yet Pelosi appears unmoved, doubling down on her role as a central figure in the party’s direction.
A Party Divided Over Leadership
Some, including former President Joe Biden, point to Pelosi as a key figure in the decision to replace him with Kamala Harris for the presidential run. That move, paired with a $1 billion campaign that failed spectacularly, has deepened rifts within the party.
Younger Democrats and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are advocating for a fresh approach, sources say. However, Pelosi remains steadfast in her approach. “As long as Nancy takes a breath, she is going to do what she wants to do,” remarked Willie Brown, former San Francisco mayor and a past associate of Harris.
Brown further praised her, stating, “She’s the heart and soul of the Democratic Party, particularly for Californians.” But not everyone agrees. A former New York City Democratic lawmaker confided that Pelosi continues to “meddle” in national affairs, creating friction.
“Hakeem wants her out,” the lawmaker revealed, adding, “Nancy has her hand in every decision he makes as leader. She just can’t help herself.” In response, Jeffries’ spokesperson defended their stance: “Leader Jeffries has repeatedly and publicly made clear that he and House Democrats are proud to stand on the historic shoulders of Nancy D’Alesandro Pelosi.”
The Next Generation Pushes Back
Now 85, Pelosi, who calls herself Speaker Emerita, shows no intention of stepping back. She has already filed to run for Congress again in 2026, backed by nearly $10 million in campaign funds, according to the Federal Election Commission.
With a personal net worth estimated at $250 million and a 20-term tenure, Pelosi embodies the image of a wealthy, establishment Democrat—a perception younger party members are eager to move away from. Saikat Chakrabarti, a 39-year-old progressive challenging her in the 2026 primary, is vocal about the need for change.
“I really feel like the Democrats actually need to become a party that’s fighting tooth and nail for the working class and middle class right now,” Chakrabarti said. He was particularly alarmed by Pelosi’s comments on a New York Times podcast, where she downplayed the need for reform.
“She basically made the case for how the Democrats don’t really need to change,” Chakrabarti told Rolling Stone. “You know, that they ran a great race, did their best, and nothing needs to change. That was the first warning sign to me.”
Echoing this sentiment is Jake Rakov, 37, who is running for a congressional seat in Southern California. “I am running because the Democratic Party needs a new generation to step up,” Rakov told the New York Post. “Nancy Pelosi has been there for a great long time, and she has done amazing things, but right now we need new energy for Congress.”
Rakov, who rejects corporate PAC money and supports term limits for Congress, emphasized, “It was never meant to be a lifelong career.” Meanwhile, rumors circulate about Pelosi’s long-term plans, with one Democratic campaign finance expert suggesting she might resign mid-term.
“If I had to guess about Pelosi’s next move, I would say she is preparing to resign and give the seat to her daughter,” the anonymous expert speculated, hinting at a potential handoff to Christine Pelosi in a special election.
