Pelosi to step down as Democrat leader

WASHINGTON: Democrat Nancy Pelosi, the trailblazing first woman to wield the speaker’s gavel in the US House of Representatives, said on Thursday that she will step down as party leader when Republicans take control of the chamber in January.

“I will not seek reelection to Democratic leadership in the next Congress,” Ms Pelosi said in an emotional speech on the House floor. “The hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus.”

The 82-year-old Pelosi’s departure from party leadership marks the end of an era in Washington and comes after Republicans secured a slim House majority in last week’s midterm elections.

Democratic President Joe Biden hailed Ms Pelosi as a “fierce defender of democracy” and the “most consequential” House speaker in US history.

“Because of Nancy Pelosi, the lives of millions and millions of Americans are better, even in districts represented by Republicans who voted against her bills and too often vilify her,” Mr Biden said.

“History will also note her fierceness and resolve to protect our democracy from the violent, deadly insurrection of Jan 6,” when supporters of former president Donald Trump attacked the US Capitol, he said.

Former president Barack Obama also hailed the woman he called “one of the most accomplished legislators in American history”.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for her friendship and leadership,” he tweeted.

Elected to Congress in 1987, Ms Pelosi became speaker in 2007, the first and only woman to hold the post.

Known for keeping a tight grip on party ranks, Ms Pelosi presided over both impeachments of Mr Trump during her second stint in the powerful role.