Pelosi Urged to Endorse Medicare for All in Final Year

Former Green Party candidate calls on House Speaker Emerita to support universal healthcare legislation before retirement

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:55pm by Ben Kaplan

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In an open letter, former Green Party congressional candidate Barry Hermanson is urging House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi to use her final year in Congress to endorse the Medicare for All Act of 2025 and encourage California Governor Gavin Newsom to support the next version of the state's universal healthcare legislation, CalCare. Hermanson argues that Pelosi's legacy can be greatly enhanced by championing universal healthcare reform before she retires.

Why it matters

As a longtime leader of the Democratic Party, Pelosi's endorsement of Medicare for All could sway many other House Democrats to support the legislation and reignite the push for universal healthcare at the federal level. Additionally, her support for CalCare in California could help overcome Governor Newsom's previous opposition and finally bring single-payer healthcare to the state.

The details

Hermanson, a four-time Green Party candidate for Congress in San Francisco, has long advocated for universal healthcare. He argues that while the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded coverage, tens of millions remain uninsured or underinsured, with many facing bankruptcy due to medical bills. Hermanson believes Pelosi can cement her legacy by championing an "Improved and Expanded Medicare for All" system, which polls show has strong support in San Francisco and California.

  • Pelosi is set to retire from Congress at the end of 2026.
  • The Medicare for All Act of 2025 has been introduced in the House and currently has around half of Democrats as co-sponsors.
  • A new version of the CalCare universal healthcare legislation is expected to be introduced in the California State Assembly early this year.

The players

Nancy Pelosi

Speaker Emerita of the U.S. House of Representatives, who has represented California's 12th congressional district since 1987.

Barry Hermanson

A former four-time Green Party candidate for Congress in San Francisco who has long advocated for universal healthcare.

Gavin Newsom

The current Governor of California, who previously expressed support for single-payer healthcare but has since discouraged efforts to pass universal coverage legislation in the state.

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What they’re saying

“Ever since its implementation, Republicans have targeted the ACA and sought to eliminate it. The government shutdown this fall was because they refused to renew consumer subsidies established during the pandemic.”

— Barry Hermanson, Former Green Party congressional candidate (sfbayview.com)

“Why did Democrats set an expiration date for healthcare subsidies instead of making them permanent?”

— David Brooks, Columnist (New York Times)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.