Pelosi Fights to Flip the House in Final Campaign

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi is raising money and hitting the campaign trail to help Democrats win the House in what she calls 'the most consequential election of our time'.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is not on the ballot this year, but she is raising money and campaigning for what she calls 'the most consequential election of our time'. Pelosi says 'our democracy is at stake' and that Democrats 'have to win this race'. While she is preparing to exit Congress, Pelosi plans to continue playing a role in party politics, including potentially supporting California Governor Gavin Newsom for a future presidential run.

Why it matters

Pelosi has been a powerful Democratic leader for decades, serving as the first woman Speaker of the House. Her decision to step down from Congress this year marks the end of an era, but she is determined to help her party regain control of the House in the upcoming midterm elections, which she sees as crucial for protecting American democracy.

The details

Pelosi is fundraising and campaigning across the country for Democratic House candidates, working closely with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene to coordinate the party's messaging and strategy. She is particularly focused on flipping Republican-held seats in California, where new district maps drawn by Democrats are expected to give the party an advantage.

  • Pelosi announced this current term would be her last in Congress.
  • The 2026 midterm elections will take place in November.

The players

Nancy Pelosi

The former Speaker of the House who is not on the ballot this year but is raising money and campaigning to help Democrats win back control of the House.

Hakeem Jeffries

The House Democratic Leader who Pelosi has hand-picked as her successor.

Suzan DelBene

The Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee who is leading the party's midterm election strategy.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic Governor of California who Pelosi says may run for president in 2028, though he has not asked for her endorsement.

Donald Trump

The former Republican president whose second term Pelosi describes as a 'sinful disgrace' and a threat to American democracy.

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What they’re saying

“We have to win this race. ... Our democracy is at stake.”

— Nancy Pelosi, Former House Speaker (Spectrum News)

“It's worse than anyone would expect. It's a sinful disgrace.”

— Nancy Pelosi, Former House Speaker (Spectrum News)

“Nancy Pelosi has spent her entire time in Congress looking out for herself and corruptly enriching her family through stock trading while President Trump is busy putting Americans first.”

— Davis Ingle, White House Spokesman (Spectrum News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

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.