Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed confidence that the Democratic Party will reclaim control of the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections and that Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will assume the speaker’s gavel, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to the ABC News interview. In a detailed conversation with ABC’s Jonathan Karl for “This Week,” Pelosi emphasized Jeffries’ readiness and leadership qualities, describing him as eloquent, respected by colleagues, and a unifier within the party.
Pelosi, who stepped down from the Democratic leadership in November 2022 and announced in November 2025 that she would not seek reelection in 2026, discussed her extensive political career, interactions with former President Donald Trump, and offered guidance for the party moving forward. She highlighted the necessity for Democrats to regain Congress’ powers, which she argued have been effectively ceded to Trump by the Republican-led legislature. “Right now, the Republicans in Congress have abolished the Congress. They just do what the president insists that they do. That will be over. That ends as soon as we have the gavel,” Pelosi said.
On the topic of a potential third impeachment of Trump, Pelosi noted that any such action would depend entirely on the former president’s conduct. She emphasized the use of congressional subpoena powers to obtain information from agencies that have not been fully cooperative. Reflecting on her political journey, Pelosi recalled her initial campaign in 1987, when her slogan was “Nancy Pelosi: A voice that will be heard,” and remarked on the historical significance of becoming the first female party whip, minority leader, and ultimately the first female Speaker of the House.
Pelosi also discussed her legislative accomplishments, particularly the passage of the Affordable Care Act under President Barack Obama, which she cited as a highlight of her tenure. She addressed her contentious relationship with Trump, including the widely circulated footage of her tearing up his first-term State of the Union address, explaining that the action was unplanned but a response to what she considered falsehoods throughout the speech.
Regarding the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, Pelosi described it as the darkest day of her speakership. She recounted being evacuated alongside other congressional leaders while her daughter Alexandra Pelosi documented the events for the HBO documentary “Pelosi in the House.” She criticized the Trump administration for inciting the insurrection and failing to deploy the National Guard promptly, noting the president’s attempts to alter the historical narrative of that day.
With approximately one year remaining in her term, Pelosi emphasized her focus on helping Democrats regain the House and making Hakeem Jeffries the next Speaker. She reiterated her commitment to restoring governance that reflects the values and optimism of the American people.
Earlier we wrote that Oklahoma man charged after backyard target practice kills woman blocks away.
