By: HISTORY.com Editors
Nancy Pelosi becomes first female Speaker of the House
On January 4, 2007, John Boehner handed the speaker of the House gavel over to Nancy Pelosi, a Democratic representative from California. With the passing of the gavel, she became the first woman to hold the Speaker of the House position, as well as the only woman to get that close the presidency. After the Vice President, she was now second in line via the presidential order of succession. Pelosi became Speaker again in 2018.
Groundbreaking Women in Politics
From historical figures like Jeannette Rankin, the first woman in Congress, to modern ones like Tammy Duckworth, the first disabled person in Congress, meet 5 women who have paved the way for others in politics.
“It is an historic moment for the Congress, and a historic moment for the women of this country. It is a moment for which we have waited over 200 years,” Pelosi said after receiving the gavel. “For our daughters and granddaughters, today we have broken the marble ceiling. For our daughters and our granddaughters, the sky is the limit, anything is possible for them.”
Pelosi’s Congressional career began 20 years before, when she was one of only 25 women who served in either the House or the Senate at the time. She became the Democratic whip in 2001 and served as the minority leader between 2003 and her election as speaker in 2007. In 2002, she was one of the House members to vote against President George W. Bush’s request to use military force in Iraq.
During her first two terms as Speaker of the House from 2007 to 2011, she developed a reputation as a tireless fundraiser and a successful securer of votes within her caucus. Her terms as speaker also coincided with Barack Obama’s first presidential term, and Pelosi was instrumental on organizing House votes for the Affordable Care Act.
During the 2010 midterms, the National Republican Congressional Committee cited her in 70 percent of its ads. The Democrats lost their House majority that election, and Pelosi returned to her position as minority leader. After Democrats reclaimed the House in the 2018 midterms, she received her party’s nomination to be its official candidate for Speaker of the House. In 2019 and again in 2021, as Speaker, Pelosi oversaw the first and second impeachments of President Donald Trump.
Pelosi announced she was stepping down from the leadership position in 2022, though she would remain in the House to represent her California district. In November 2025, the politician told the public she wouldn’t be seeking reelection. Her 20th term in the House ends in early 2027.
Also on This Day in History
Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on January 4th
Related
Women’s History
39 videos
From co-founding Ms. magazine to leading marches, Gloria Steinem spent decades fighting for women’s rights.
For 50 years before the adoption of the 19th Amendment, women in Wyoming had full voting rights.
Wearing black was a nod to Anthony's Quaker upbringing—and the uniform of her movement.
About the author
HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Christian Zapata, Cristiana Lombardo and Adrienne Donica.
Fact Check
We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.
Citation Information
- Article Title
- Nancy Pelosi becomes first female Speaker of the House
- Author
- HISTORY.com Editors
- Website Name
- History
- Date Accessed
- October 21, 2026
- Publisher
- A&E Television Networks
- Last Updated
- November 06, 2025
- Original Published Date
- December 06, 2018
