A look at the legacy and influence Nancy Pelosi will leave behind when she retires

NPR | By Scott Shafer,

Leila Fadel

Published September 23, 2026 at 4:45 AM EDT

Rep. Nancy Pelosi will retire following the 2026 midterm elections, ending her almost 40-year career in Congress, but leaving a lasting influence on U.S. politics.

Scott Shafer

Leila Fadel

Leila Fadel is a host of Morning Edition, as well as NPR's morning news podcast Up First.

See stories by Leila Fadel

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