Saikat Chakrabarti, 39, a software engineer and co-founder of the progressive organization Justice Democrats and president of New Consensus, announced his run against Pelosi in February. He has had a successful behind-the-scenes political campaign career, as well as in software engineering. He is a Harvard University graduate.

Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she will retire from Congress, ending speculation that one of the most powerful women in American politics would seek another term.

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

Nancy Pelosi's retirement signals the last in a series of Capitol Hill departures for powerful California politicians, leaving the state bereft of the influence it once enjoyed.

In her history-making career, the former House Speaker showed her capacity to read the political situation. She leaves at the right time, securing a profound legacy.

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 85-year-old Democratic leader didn't say why she isn't running for reelection. It comes as one lawmaker recently announced his bid for her seat.

For starters, without Speaker Pelosi, there would likely be no Affordable Care Act as we know it. She famously worked behind the scenes to privately push President Barack Obama toward healthcare reform, and has since voted consistently to increase Medicare and Medicaid benefits, in the face of deep (and continuing) opposition from the GOP.

President Donald Trump called House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi an "evil woman" in reaction to her retirement.