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Nancy Pelosi: Facts & Related Content
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American politician Nancy Pelosi made history when she became the first female speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2007–11; 2019– ). She first joined the House in 1987 after narrowly winning a special election for the seat that had become vacant upon U.S. Rep. Sala Burton's death. Pelosi was reelected in 1988 to a full term, and she easily won subsequent elections in the Californian district. Pelosi was elected speaker of the House on January 4, 2007.
Facts
Also Known As | Nancy Patricia D'Alesandro • Nancy Patricia D’Alesandro |
---|---|
Born | March 26, 1940 (age 85) • Baltimore • Maryland |
Title / Office | Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2019-2023), United States • Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2007-2011), United States • House of Representatives (1987-), United States |
Political Affiliation | Democratic Party |
Notable Family Members | daughter of Thomas D'Alesandro, Jr. • daughter of Annunciata ("Nancy") D'Alesandro • married to Paul Pelosi (1963–present) • mother of Nancy Corinne Prowda • mother of Christine Pelosi • mother of Jacqueline Pelosi • mother of Paul Pelosi, Jr. • mother of Alexandra Pelosi • sister of Thomas D'Alesandro III • sister of Franklin D. Roosevelt D'Alesandro • sister of Nicholas D'Alesandro • sister of Hector D'Alesandro • sister of Joseph T. D'Alesandro |
Role In | Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act |
Education | Institute of Notre Dame (Baltimore, Maryland) • Trinity College (B.A., 1962) |
Published Works | "Know Your Power: A Message to America's Daughters" (2008; with Amy Hill Hearth) |
Twitter Handle | @SpeakerPelosi |
Instagram Username | speakerpelosi |
Top Questions
Where was Nancy Pelosi educated?
Nancy Pelosi attended high school at the Institute of Notre Dame in Baltimore, Maryland, before studying political science at Trinity College in Washington, D.C., where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1962.
Did You Know?
- Pelosi was the first person in more than 60 years to be reelected to the position of speaker of the House for nonconsecutive terms.
- When Pelosi took office as minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2003, she became the first woman to lead a party in Congress; four years later, she took office as the first female speaker of the House.
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