Nancy Pelosi predicts Democrats win House in ‘26, reflects on career and Jan. 6 attack

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi is confident that Democrats will re-take the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterms and that Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will hold the speaker’s gavel.

In a recent interview with ABC News’ Jonathan Karl on “This Week,” Pelosi expressed her unwavering support for Jeffries as the next Speaker of the House. She praised Jeffries as being ready, eloquent, respected by the members, and a unifier within the party. When asked by Karl if she had any doubt that Jeffries would be the next Speaker, Pelosi confidently replied, “None.”

Pelosi, who announced in November that she would not run for reelection in 2026, spoke to Karl about her career, her relationship with President Donald Trump, and offered advice for Democrats moving forward. She emphasized the importance of reclaiming Congress’ powers, which she believes the current Republican-led Congress has relinquished to Trump.

According to Pelosi, the Republicans in Congress have essentially abolished the institution by blindly following Trump’s directives. She asserted that once Democrats regain control, they will restore the balance of power and ensure that Congress acts independently of the president’s influence.

When questioned about the possibility of pursuing a third impeachment of Trump, Pelosi stated that it would depend on the president’s actions. She emphasized that any decision to impeach Trump would be based on his violation of the Constitution, rather than a predetermined agenda.

Reflecting on her early days in Congress, Pelosi shared that her campaign slogan in 1987 was “Nancy Pelosi: A voice that will be heard.” She noted the irony of eventually becoming the first female Speaker of the House, a position that elevated her voice on a national stage.

Pelosi, one of only 23 women in the House when she was first elected, made history by becoming the first woman to serve as a party’s whip, minority leader, and Speaker of the House. Her journey from a grassroots activist to a powerful political figure has been marked by numerous milestones and accomplishments.

As Pelosi looks ahead to the future of the Democratic Party, she remains optimistic about its prospects in the upcoming midterms. With Jeffries poised to take the helm as Speaker of the House, Pelosi believes that the party is well-positioned to lead and enact meaningful change in Washington. Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the House, is known for her strong leadership and dedication to passing historic legislation. One of her proudest achievements is the Affordable Care Act, which she believes has made a significant impact on the health and financial well-being of working families. Pelosi hopes to be remembered for her role in passing this important legislation.

However, Pelosi’s legacy is also marked by her contentious relationship with former President Donald Trump. One of the most memorable moments was when she tore up his State of the Union address during his first term, a move she says was unplanned but necessary in response to what she saw as a “manifesto of lies.”

The darkest day of Pelosi’s speakership came on January 6, 2021, when a violent mob of Trump supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Pelosi describes this as a traumatic experience, made even more harrowing by the fact that her daughter, Alexandra Pelosi, was with her on Capitol Hill that day.

In a documentary titled “Pelosi in the House,” the events of that day are captured on film, showing the Speaker and other congressional leaders being evacuated to a secure location as they attempted to resume the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory. Pelosi describes the fear and uncertainty she felt during those hours, as she and her colleagues worked to protect the democratic process.

Despite the challenges and obstacles she has faced, Pelosi remains determined to fight for the values and principles she believes in. As she reflects on her time in office, Pelosi acknowledges the toll that the constant battles and losses have taken on her, but she remains committed to her mission. “I’m just tired of losing,” Pelosi says, expressing her frustration with the political gridlock and polarization that have defined much of her tenure.

As she prepares to step down from her role as Speaker, Pelosi leaves behind a legacy of resilience, determination, and a fierce commitment to serving the American people. While her time in office has been marked by triumphs and setbacks, Pelosi’s impact on American politics and policy will be felt for years to come. On December 18, 2025, Nancy Pelosi sat down with ABC News’ Jonathan Karl in Washington, D.C. for an interview on ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos.” Pelosi discussed the events surrounding the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and the aftermath of the attack.

Pelosi recounted how she and others had pleaded with the president to send the National Guard to quell the violence, but their requests were ignored. She expressed dismay at the attempts by the president to rewrite the narrative of what transpired that day, emphasizing the severity of the assault on democracy.

The former Speaker of the House condemned the attack as a direct assault on the Capitol, Congress, and the Constitution of the United States. She highlighted the significance of the day as Congress gathered to certify the Electoral College results, calling it a dark moment in American history.

Pelosi also addressed the lack of accountability for the president’s role in inciting the violence, noting that while he currently holds the presidency, history will ultimately judge his actions. Despite federal cases against Trump being dismissed due to presidential immunity policies, Pelosi emphasized the importance of holding leaders accountable for their actions.

Looking ahead, Pelosi shared her focus on regaining control of the House for Democrats and supporting Hakeem Jeffries as the Speaker. She expressed a desire to restore faith in governance and politics, emphasizing the goodness of the American people and the need for hope in the political landscape.

In her closing remarks, Pelosi stressed the importance of fostering a political environment that values the ideals of democracy and serves the interests of the American people. She highlighted the need for unity and progress in moving forward as a nation.

The interview with Pelosi on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” sheds light on the challenges faced by the country in the wake of the Capitol insurrection and the ongoing efforts to uphold democratic values and principles.