Electoral history of Nancy Pelosi

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Nancy Pelosi is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives whose electoral history goes back more than three decades. She first won election in a 1987 special election after the death of Sala Burton. In the Democratic primary, Pelosi beat San Francisco Supervisor Harry Britt 36% to 32%, and then won the runoff against Republican Harriet Ross by more than a two-to-one margin. She is currently serving in her 18th two-year term and has enjoyed strong support throughout her career.

Since 2013, Pelosi has represented California’s 12th congressional district, which covers most of San Francisco. Earlier, she represented the 5th district (1987–1993) and, after redistricting, the 8th district (1993–2013).

Pelosi led the House Democratic leadership from 2003 to 2023 and sought the office of Speaker every two years during that time, with four campaigns described as successful. In 2007 she became the first woman, the first Italian American, and the first Californian to serve as Speaker. Before Kamala Harris was elected vice president in 2020, Pelosi was the highest-ranking woman in U.S. political history.