'83-year-old' Pelosi, U.S. House Representative, Declares Challenge for 20th Term Next Year

Led the Democratic Party for 20 Years, Stepped Back from Second Term Last Year

Nancy Pelosi, an 83-year-old member of the House of Representatives (Democratic Party·California), has announced her intention to run in next November's general election. If Pelosi wins next year's election, it will be her 20th term.

On the 8th (local time), Pelosi posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Our city has never needed us more to advance and call for the recovery of San Francisco's values. We must show that the American flag, representing freedom and justice for all, still stands," adding, "This is why I am running for re-election. I respectfully ask for your vote."

Nancy Pelosi (83), a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, has announced her intention to run in next year's general election.
[Photo by AP Yonhap News]

Pelosi entered politics after being elected to the House of Representatives in a 1987 special election, having previously been a homemaker. She was the first woman elected Speaker of the House in 2007 and served two terms as Speaker, including her re-election in 2018. Pelosi, who has been active based in San Francisco, one of the United States' leading progressive cities, served as the Democratic leader for 20 years from 2003 before stepping down to a second-ranking position last year.

Pelosi has solidified her position within the Democratic Party through her ability to mobilize large-scale campaign funds. The Associated Press (AP) described her as a key strategist. A source familiar with Pelosi told AP, "Pelosi believes next year's election is a critical moment for American democracy and will work to re-elect President Biden and make Representative Jeffries the Speaker of the House."

Meanwhile, Pelosi's announcement has drawn more attention as it comes amid intensifying debates in the U.S. over elderly politicians.

When some within the party demanded the resignation of Senator Dianne Feinstein (90·California), the oldest incumbent senator who had missed Senate sessions due to health issues, Pelosi defended Feinstein, calling the demands sexist against female lawmakers. Feinstein plans not to run in next year's election.

Additionally, Mitch McConnell (81), the Republican Senate Minority Leader, exhibited symptoms during a press conference last month similar to those he showed in July, suddenly stopping mid-speech and staring blankly ahead for 30 seconds. This so-called "30-second freeze" incident has sparked public calls for mental health evaluations and age limits for politicians. President Joe Biden, seeking re-election in 2024, is 80 years old, while his opponent, former President Donald Trump, is 77.