Former President Obama said Thursday that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) “made us proud to be Democrats” after she announced she will not seek reelection.
“For almost four decades, Nancy Pelosi has served the American people and worked to make our country better. No one was more skilled at bringing people together and getting legislation passed – and I will always be grateful for her support of the Affordable Care Act,” Obama said on the social platform X.
“She made us proud to be Democrats, and will go down in history as one of the best speakers the House of Representatives has ever had,” he added.
On Thursday, Pelosi announced she will not make another bid for her seat, ending a four-decade career during which she made history as the U.S.’s first woman to be Speaker of the House, pushed through some of the most consequential legislation in recent memory and solidified her standing as one of the most powerful members of Congress.
“I will not be seeking reelection to Congress. With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year of service as your proud representative,” Pelosi said in a video on social media.
“As we go forward, my message to the city I love is this: San Francisco, know your power. We have made history, we have made progress, we have always led the way.”
While she was House Speaker and Obama was in the White House, Pelosi pushed through legislation including expansive Wall Street reforms in the wake of the Great Recession and the Affordable Care Act, the former president’s signature domestic legislative achievement.
“Nancy, thank you for your leadership and your friendship. Michelle and I wish you and Paul the best in this next chapter,” Obama said in his Thursday post.
