Nancy Pelosi Biography Nancy Patricia Pelosi born March 26, 1940 is an American politician who served as the 52nd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, holding the position twice—first from 2007 to 2011, and again from 2019 to 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, she made history as the first woman to be elected Speaker and the first woman to lead a major political party in either chamber of Congress. Pelosi represented California’s 11th congressional district, which includes most of San Francisco, and is the longest-serving member of California’s congressional delegation. Pelosi was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, to Thomas D’Alesandro Jr., a congressman and former mayor of Baltimore, and Annunciata D’Alesandro. She graduated from Trinity College in Washington, D.C., in 1962, and married Paul Pelosi the following year.
Nancy Pelosi Biography
Nancy Pelosi is a prominent American politician from the Democratic Party, serving as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives since January 2019. She made history as the first woman ever to hold this prestigious position. Having first been elected to Congress in 1987, Pelosi is the highest-ranking female elected official in U.S. history. As Speaker, she is second in the presidential line of succession, directly after the vice president. As of 2019, Pelosi is in her 17th term representing California’s 12th congressional district, which includes most of San Francisco. She previously represented California’s 5th district from 1987 to 1993, and after district boundaries were redrawn following the 1990 Census, she served the 8th district from 1993 to 2013.
Nancy Pelosi Biography Details
Born | Nancy Patricia D’Alesandro March 26, 1940 (age 84) |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Paul Pelosi
(m. 1963) |
Children | 5, including Christine and Alexandra |
Parent | · Thomas D’Alesandro Jr. (father) |
Relatives | Thomas D’Alesandro III (brother) |
Residence(s) | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
Education | Trinity College, Washington (BA) |
Awards | Presidential Medal of Freedom (2024) |
Category | Politician Biography |
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About Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Patricia Pelosi is an American politician who was the 52nd speaker of the United States House of Representatives, having served two stints at the post, first from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023.
- Born: 26 March 1940 (age 84 years), Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Spouse: Paul Pelosi (m. 1963)
- Previous offices: Representative, CA 12th District (2013–2023) ·
- Office: Representative (D-CA 11th District) since 2023
- Children: Alexandra Pelosi, Nancy Corinne Pelosi, Christine Pelosi, Jacqueline Pelosi, Paul Pelosi, Jr.
- Grandchildren: Paul Michael Vos, Thomas Vincent Vos, Ryan Kenneally, Liam Kenneally, Sean Kenneally, Isabella Kaufman
- Education: Trinity Washington University (1958–1962), Institute of Notre Dame (1958)
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Early Life and Education
Nancy Pelosi was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to an Italian-American family. She was the youngest and only daughter of Annunciata M. “Nancy” D’Alesandro (née Lombardi) and Thomas D’Alesandro Jr. Her mother, originally from Fornelli, Isernia, Molise in Southern Italy, immigrated to the U.S. in 1912. Her father, who was a Democratic congressman from Maryland at the time of her birth, later became the mayor of Baltimore. Pelosi’s mother was actively involved in politics, organizing Democratic women and teaching Pelosi political strategies.
Pelosi often assisted her father with campaign events and attended President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address in January 1961. In 1958, she graduated from the Institute of Notre Dame, an all-girls Catholic high school in Baltimore. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Trinity College (now Trinity Washington University) in Washington, D.C. in 1962. During the 1960s, Pelosi interned for Senator Daniel Brewster (D-Maryland), working alongside future House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.
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Early Career
After relocating to San Francisco, Pelosi befriended 5th district congressman Phillip Burton and began advancing in Democratic politics. In 1976, she was elected to the Democratic National Committee from California, a role she held until 1996. She was named chair of the Northern California Democratic Party in 1977, and four years later, she was appointed to lead the California Democratic Party, a position she held until 1983. Pelosi also served as chair of the San Francisco Democratic National Convention Host Committee in 1984 and as finance chair for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee from 1985 to 1986.
Early House of Representatives Tenure
When Phillip Burton passed away in 1983, his wife Sala Burton won a special election to complete his congressional term and was re-elected for two more terms. However, when Sala Burton became ill in 1986 and decided not to seek re-election in 1988, she expressed her desire for Pelosi to succeed her, ensuring Pelosi had the support of Burton’s political network. After Sala Burton’s death in February 1987, Pelosi ran in a special election to fill her seat and defeated Democratic San Francisco supervisor Harry Britt and Republican Harriet Ross in a June runoff. Pelosi officially took office a week after winning the election. During her campaign, Pelosi was proactive in organizing events, gathering volunteers, and raising funds.
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Nancy Pelosi House
Nancy Pelosi owns multiple real estate properties across major U.S. cities. She capitalized on the 2008 financial crisis and benefitted from the federal bailout plan for banks. Pelosi currently resides in a lavish 15,000-square-foot mansion in Baltimore, Maryland, valued at around $30 million, with assistance from certain donors who helped her acquire the property at a significant discount.
The mansion boasts an array of luxurious amenities, including a 15-foot wall, swimming pools, a workout lounge, 15 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a massive wine cellar, and a home theater. Given her position as Speaker of the House, Pelosi’s home is also secured with 24/7 Secret Service protection.
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Nancy Pelosi’s Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Nancy Pelosi’s net worth is estimated to be $45 million. As a United States Representative, she earns an annual salary of approximately $223,500. When compared to her peers in the House of Representatives, Pelosi’s net worth stands out, with no close competition. Her wealth is expected to increase by more than 20% annually.