Nancy Pelosi: US House speaker says she will not seek re-election to leadership

The 82-year old said she was stepping down in an emotional speech to the chamber on Thursday morning

Democratic US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced she will not seek re-election as Democratic leader.

The 82-year old said she was stepping down in an emotional speech to the House on Thursday morning.

"I will not seek re-election," she confirmed, but said she will remain in her role as a member of Congress.

It follows last week's midterm elections in which the Republicans took control of the lower chamber.

"I never thought I would go from homemaker to House Speaker," she told the chamber, saying she "never intended" to run for public office.

The speaker's decades-long career in Congress shattered the glass ceiling, as she was the first woman to hold the role.

During her tenure, she oversaw sweeping reforms such as the Affordable Care Act and more recently, she led her party through a surprisingly successful midterm cycle.

President Joe Biden was among the first to sing her praises after the announcement.

"History will note she is the most consequential speaker of the House of Representatives in our history," Mr Biden said in a statement.

"Because of Nancy Pelosi, the lives of millions and millions of Americans are better, even in districts represented by Republicans who voted against her bills and too often vilify her."

US President Joe Biden receives a pen from Representative Grace Meng next to Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi at the signing ceremony of HR 3525, the 'Commission To Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian-Pacific American History and Culture Act' at the White House. Reuters

Ms Pelosi spoke of various achievements during her long tenure, including those achieved alongside Mr Biden.

"When I came to Congress in 1987, there were 12 Democratic women. Now there are 90, and we want more," she added.

Ms Pelosi said voters "repelled the assault on democracy" when they went to the polls, in which the Democrats retained control of the Senate.

"American democracy is majestic, but is fragile ... democracy must be forever defended from forces which wish it harm," she told the House.

Her deputy chief of staff Drew Hammill said Ms Pelosi had been “overwhelmed” by calls from colleagues and supporters as she monitored incoming results from three key states on Wednesday night.

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  Nancy Pelosi after being re-elected as speaker of the US House of Representatives on January 3, 2021. Reuters

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  Nancy Pelosi, here in her home city of San Francisco in 1987, was first elected to the house in the same year and steadily moved up the ranks, securing leadership positions before winning her first term as speaker in 2007. AP

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  Ms Pelosi in a meeting with fellow Democrat Steny Hoyer in 2006. AP

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  Ms Pelosi and Democratic Senator Richard Durbin in 2007. AP

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  The 82-year-old has been speaker under four US presidents, including George W Bush in 2007. AP

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  Ms Pelosi surrounded by children and grandchildren in 2007. AP

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  Ms Pelosi and her husband Paul in 1987. AP

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  The Dalai Lama and Ms Pelosi in 2009. AP

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  Ms Pelosi with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg during her annual Women's History Month reception in 2015. AP

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  US President Joe Biden with Ms Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in the US Capitol on January 6, 2022. AP

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  On January 28, 2016, she presented Barack Obama with a copy of the Iran nuclear agreement legislation. AP

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  At a swearing-in ceremony for congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. AFP

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  Ms Pelosi takes the gavel from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy in 2019. AP

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  Ms Pelosi, 82, and two other top leaders have been under pressure the past few years from younger Democrats to yield power after two decades at the helm. EPA

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  Ms Pelosi looking less than impressed as President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address in 2019. EPA

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  Ms Pelosi rips up Mr Trump's speech. AP

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  Ms Pelosi announcing the passage of Article II of impeachment against Mr Trump in December 2019. AP

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  Trump-supporter Richard Barnett in Ms Pelosi's office during the January 6, 2021 occupation of the Capitol. AFP

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  Chuck Schumer chatting to Nancy Pelosi in 2021. Getty Images / AFP

A violent attack on her San Francisco home has led Ms Pelosi to publicly question her future in politics.

She acknowledged her husband, Paul, in an emotional moment during her Thursday speech on the House floor, during which fellow Democrats shed tears and members of both parties rose for a standing ovation.

Her husband was left injured after an intruder broke into their home earlier this month, said to have been waiting for Ms Pelosi.

"My dear husband, Paul, 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," the departing speaker said.

“I have to say my decision will be affected about what happened the last week or two,” she told CNN on her future plans in the aftermath of the attack.

Ms Pelosi was elected to the House in 1987, representing San Francisco's congressional district, and assumed her role as speaker for a first term in 2007. She was reelected in 2019.

Democratic colleagues, including Corey Booker, a New Jersey Senator, and fellow Hakeem Jeffries, quickly sent thanks and congratulations to Ms Pelosi.