SAN FRANCISCO – A celebratory atmosphere permeated San Francisco over the weekend as California Democrats gathered for their annual convention, an event that doubled as a tribute to outgoing Representative Nancy Pelosi. With Pelosi set to conclude her nearly four-decade tenure in Congress at the end of this term, the convention served as a valedictory for a figure widely regarded as a transformative leader within the party.
The event showcased Pelosi’s remarkable career trajectory, from her early days as a stay-at-home mother to her historic ascent as the first – and so far only – woman to hold the Speaker of the House’s gavel. Attendees were greeted with imagery of Pelosi’s career, tote bags bearing her likeness and reminders of her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, encapsulated in her oft-quoted mantra: “We don’t agonize, we organize.”
Despite the outpouring of accolades, Pelosi herself remained characteristically focused on the future of the Democratic Party. Senator Adam Schiff, a longtime political ally, described her as “almost allergic to recognition,” noting her consistent prioritization of the party’s forward momentum. She expressed “absolute certainty and confidence” that Democrats would regain control of the House of Representatives in November, citing favorable new congressional maps in California as a key factor, and predicted that her chosen successor, Hakeem Jeffries, would become the next Speaker.
The convention provided a platform for prominent California Democrats, including veteran labor leader Dolores Huerta, to share anecdotes and reflections on Pelosi’s leadership style – often described as an “iron-fist-in-a-velvet-glove.” Stories circulated of her tenacity, wit, and a famously disciplined lifestyle, alongside her well-known fondness for dark chocolate and minimal sleep. She was repeatedly hailed as the most consequential Speaker in modern history, a source of pride for her home city of San Francisco.
Pelosi announced her retirement late last year, signaling the end of an era. Three Democrats are now competing to succeed her: state senator Scott Wiener, city supervisor Connie Chan, and former Silicon Valley engineer Saikat Chakrabarti. Wiener secured the state party’s endorsement during the convention, though Pelosi has yet to publicly indicate her preference.
Attendees recounted Pelosi’s skill in navigating complex political landscapes, twisting arms and engaging directly with presidents and world leaders. One staffer’s anecdote, shared by Schiff, described her as both a doting grandmother and a formidable force, capable of confronting even powerful adversaries – a sentiment playfully illustrated by the quip that she could put “her four-inch Manolos up Putin’s ass.”
Beyond her individual leadership, Pelosi was credited with transforming California into a stronghold for the Democratic Party, both during her tenure as state party chair and later as a congresswoman and Speaker. The new redistricting law, which she championed, is projected to allow Democrats to hold as many as 48 of the state’s 52 House seats.
Speakers repeatedly referenced Pelosi’s advice, often delivered with a pragmatic edge. Congressman Pete Aguilar recalled her maxim that in politics, one must be prepared to both receive and deliver blows, “but always for the children.” Rusty Hicks, chair of the California state party, recounted asking Pelosi for lessons from “sideline coaching” in sports, to which she responded: “When in doubt, shoot – and always be in doubt.”
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis shared a favorite “Pelosi-ism,” noting that the Speaker originally phrased her advice to “know thy power” as if it were an “11th commandment,” before settling on “know your power.” Kounalakis also highlighted Pelosi’s impact on increasing female representation in Congress, pointing to the dramatic increase in the number of women serving from 23 when Pelosi was first elected in to 150 today.
In a particularly poignant moment, Schiff praised Pelosi’s ability to persuade others to act with integrity and at the appropriate time. He acknowledged the length of his tribute, jokingly suggesting that Pelosi might tear up his speech as she famously did with President Trump’s State of the Union address during his first term.
In a gesture reminiscent of that incident, Pelosi initially approached the podium with prepared remarks, then abruptly decided to discard them. “You know what? I think I’ll just tear up this speech,” she said, ripping her notes in half, preferring to speak “off-the-cuff.”
“Thank you all so much for being who you are,” Pelosi said, visibly moved by the evening’s tributes. “Just the best of it all – to win elections and to make life better for the American people.” She emphasized the importance of grassroots mobilization and credited the persistence of advocacy groups, including “the nuns,” for the passage of the Affordable Care Act, a landmark achievement of her career.
Despite acknowledging the challenges facing progressive policies under the current administration, Pelosi remained optimistic, urging Democrats to “believe in the goodness of the American people.” She concluded with a message of resilience: “Hope is our resistance, and our resistance gives us hope.”
