**Democratic Leadership Tip Their Hat to House Minority Speaker Hakeem Jeffries on Pelosi’s Impact**
House Minority Speaker Hakeem Jeffries agreed that Nancy Pelosi’s impact “is unmatched.” “Nancy Pelosi has inspired generations. Her courage and conviction to San Francisco, California, and our nation has set the standard for what public service should be,” California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote. “Wishing you the best in this new chapter—you’ve more than earned it.”
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie also praised Pelosi, giving her credit for “strengthening our infrastructure, supporting our public spaces by transforming the Presidio into a national park, championing healthcare for kids and families in San Francisco and across our nation, and standing up for our city’s LGBTQ+ community.” Pelosi’s district encompassed San Francisco, and Lurie himself interned in Pelosi’s office while in college. “While her work brought her to the highest levels of leadership, Speaker Emerita Pelosi never forgot who she served: San Franciscans,” Lurie wrote. “Her service has strengthened San Francisco, inspired generations of Americans, and motivated all of us to continue working for the city we love.”
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee referred to Pelosi as a “dear friend” in her X post. “Her bold leadership paved the way for so many women and so much progress. Thank you, Nancy, for the fierce fight, the unwavering courage, and your decades of service to our country,” Lee wrote.
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) thanked Pelosi for taking on the speakership “during some of our nation’s darkest days.” “Nancy Pelosi will be remembered as the most effective and historic Speaker in all of American history,” Garcia wrote on X. “She will be greatly missed in Congress, but I am confident that her work, legacy, and fearlessness will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) referred to Pelosi as “the moral center of our caucus.” Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) described Pelosi as a “dedicated public servant” who worked to “uplift the most vulnerable.” Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) thanked Pelosi for the times “she gave me opportunities when others did not.” Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) called her “our nation’s chief defender against Donald Trump’s attacks on our democracy.”
**Democratic Allies Celebrate Pelosi’s Legacy**
Rep. Brittany Peterson (D-CO) shared a photo of Pelosi posing with her son Samuel, born earlier this year. “Truly the end of an era. @SpeakerPelosi didn’t just shatter glass ceilings; she paved the way for generations of women to lead,” Peterson captioned the photo. “It’s incumbent on all of us to carry out her vision for the future as she always says, for the children.”
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) praised Pelosi’s tenure as Speaker despite having run against her in 2018 and acknowledging “occasional disagreements.” “She will always be remembered as one of the great Speakers of the House, and I know many a Republican colleague who freely admits that, even while staunchly disagreeing with her!” Moulton wrote on X.
Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MS) suggested Pelosi’s retirement marks “the close of one of the most extraordinary chapters in American history.” “For decades, Nancy Pelosi has embodied the very best of public service. She shattered barriers not for their own sake, but to clear a path for others, especially women and girls, to walk behind her and beyond her,” Trahan wrote on X. “Her everyday presence in the halls of Congress will be missed, but her legacy will accompany us through the challenges ahead for a long time to come.”
Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) echoed Trahan’s sentiment that Pelosi’s retirement is the end of a chapter. Freshman Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) agreed with Crow that “Nancy Pelosi’s career has been a masterclass on leadership.”
“America is better because of Nancy Pelosi’s leadership. And I am a better leader because of her mentorship and support throughout my career,” Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) captioned a photo of himself with Pelosi.
Rep. Debbie Murcasel-Powell (D-FL) credited Pelosi for ensuring that “no bill ever came to the floor without bipartisan support” during her service as Speaker. “She will be missed in the House but she will no doubt continue to be the mentor for hundreds of women who serve or want to serve our nation,” Murcasel-Powell wrote.
“No matter how far she’s risen, Nancy’s never lost sight of her mission to make life better for the children and for the people,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI).
**Republicans Offer Rare Praise**
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) defended Pelosi’s legacy despite being from the opposing party. “Whatever one thinks about Nancy Pelosi or the policies she fought for, she is a historic figure in American politics,” Lawler wrote. “While I was proud to help end her reign as Speaker, I have great respect and admiration for her political prowess and steely resolve. Best wishes Madam Speaker.”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) spoke on CNN’s *The Situation Room*: “I will praise Nancy Pelosi. She had an incredible career for her party. I served under her speakership in my first term in Congress and I’m very impressed at her ability to get things done. I wish we could get things done for our party like Nancy Pelosi was able to deliver for her party.”
Greene also took a swipe at Pelosi, who is 85 years old, saying, “I would like to see people exit Washington a lot sooner rather than wait until they’re 80.”
**Republican Opponents Weigh In**
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) noted that Pelosi’s retirement is “a very important sign” for the future of the Democratic Party. “The old guard has been repudiated, and the radicals are taking over the Democratic Party. We have evidence now every day,” Johnson said. “Even the famous San Francisco liberal is not far-left enough for the neo-Marxists, and we commend her for her service.”
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) implied there will be changes in Congress after Pelosi’s departure. “Nancy Pelosi is retiring—perfect time to pass the PELOSI Act and BAN stock trading by members of Congress,” Hawley wrote on X.
Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) echoed Hawley, stating: “In honor of @SpeakerPelosi and her service to the Nation, @SpeakerJohnson should immediately call for a vote on the PELOSI Act, @RepMarkAlford and my bill to ban members of Congress from trading stocks. I can’t think of a better tribute than to pass this legislation named in her honor.”
**Exit: Pelosi Will Be Heralded by Adoring Media, But Her Legacy Is Tarnished**
**Notable Silence from Democratic Colleagues**
Several notable Democratic colleagues opted not to publicly comment on Pelosi’s retirement by the time of publication. Among those who had not made a statement were Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
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Nancy Pelosi’s resignation closes a significant chapter in American politics, drawing praise across the aisle and remarks of cautious anticipation for the future from her critics. Her legacy as a trailblazer and steadfast public servant continues to inspire many, while sparking debate about the evolving direction of her party.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/house/3877676/nancy-pelosi-retirement-garners-mixed-reaction/