BRIEFING ROOM

JAC was still in its early stages when a special election in California sent Nancy Pelosi to Congress, marking the beginning of a remarkable 38-year friendship between JAC and the future Speaker Emerita. From the moment she stepped into the Capitol in her signature high heels, Nancy began making history, and she never stopped.

At that time, only 12 women served in the House. Today, as Nancy announced her retirement, 94 Democratic women are serving with her. From school boards to the Speaker’s chair, Nancy showed us the way and insisted that women not just have a seat at the table, but a voice that must be heard. 

She proved to be a formidable force as she advanced through the ranks in the House to become the first Madam Speaker in U.S. history. JAC was proud and honored to witness this firsthand in Washington, DC, at a special ceremony. It was an unforgettable and inspiring moment — a symbol of the power of women and what we strive for at JAC.

“No matter her rank or position in Congress, Nancy always opened her office to us and recognized JACPAC,” said Marcia Balonick, JAC’s former Executive Director and now Senior Advisor. 

Our relationship with Nancy began long before she became a household name. JAC’s research committee first recognized her when she was a young candidate just starting her run for Congress. We saw in her a true champion for our issues and a woman whose convictions guided her. We supported her campaign from the very beginning. Since then, we have stood side by side together through decades of victories and challenges.

During our annual policy conferences in Washington, DC, and our other visits to the Hill, Nancy made time to meet with JAC. She was genuinely interested in JAC’s work and its members. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was there for JAC. She appeared on Zoom for our virtual Power of Women luncheon and was with us in person in 2023, inspiring our sold-out crowd.

Nancy has dedicated her life to public service and her goal of improving the lives of Americans. She would always tell us when we saw her that the reason we do what we do is for the children of America — our future. For with them, all of our promises and hopes for better days are held. 

JAC friends Reps. Abigail Spanberger (VA) and Mikie Sherrill (NJ), newly elected governors in their states, served alongside Pelosi. Her mentorship of these women and others in Congress has helped to expand their success. In one of our many conversations with Nancy, she told us there is no ceiling to our dreams. Spanberger and Sherrill proved that on Tuesday night.

“The Speaker Emerita's legacy will continue to inspire generations of leaders ready to follow in her footsteps, and it has been an honor to serve alongside,” Sherrill said.

Nancy will undoubtedly remain a significant figure in our country even after she leaves Congress. In her final year in office, we know she will continue to work toward ensuring that Tuesday night’s blue wave hits Congress next November. We look forward, as always, to visiting with her during our annual policy conference in April. 

Nancy may be trading in her high heels for comfortable gym shoes in her post-Congress life, but she will never trade in her relentless spirit to make our country better for all. Her achievements and her visions will always have a lasting impact on our nation and JAC.

Thank you, Nancy, for your leadership, your friendship, and for always showing us the way.