“You have to make people clap for you”—a phrase that remains etched in Nancy Ajram’s memory from her earliest days on stage. It was her father who introduced her to the world of music, arranging weekly performances for the young songstress.

The California Democrat led her party in the House for two decades. Her decision will open up her San Francisco-based seat for the first time in nearly 40 years.

The former House Speaker has not made any public announcements about her political future and says her top focus is on helping Democrats retake the House of Representatives in 2026