Nancy Pelosi predicts Democratic win in 2026 midterms, reflects on tenure and January 6 crisis

WASHINGTON, DC: Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that she is confident Democrats will regain control of the House in the 2026 midterm elections, predicting that Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will become the next Speaker.

Pelosi made the remarks during an interview with ABC News’ Jonathan Karl on 'This Week' on Sunday, December 28. 

The Speaker Emerita also reflected on her time in leadership, the future of the Democratic Party, and her past confrontations with President Donald Trump.

Nancy Pelosi claims 'Hakeem Jeffries is ready'

Pelosi offered a strong endorsement of Jeffries, who currently leads House Democrats.

"Hakeem Jeffries is ready, he’s eloquent, he’s respected by the members, he is a unifier," Pelosi said.

When asked whether she had any doubts about Jeffries becoming Speaker if Democrats win back the House, Pelosi responded, "None."

She said her focus remains on helping Democrats regain the majority in 2026.

"I'm busy, and focused on winning the House for the Democrats, making Hakeem Jeffries the Speaker of the House," Pelosi said.

Republicans have 'abolished' Congress

Pelosi criticized the current Republican-led House, arguing that lawmakers have ceded congressional authority to the executive branch.

"Right now, the Republicans in Congress have abolished Congress," Pelosi said.

She claimed GOP lawmakers are acting at the direction of the White House and said that would change if Democrats regain control.

"That ends as soon as we have the gavel," Pelosi added.

Impeachment depends on Trump

Pelosi addressed speculation about a potential future impeachment of Trump, emphasizing that impeachment is driven by conduct rather than political calculations.

"I’ve said to people, the one person who was responsible for the impeachments of Donald Trump is Donald Trump," she said.

Pelosi said impeachment is triggered by constitutional violations, not partisan strategy.

"It’s not something you decide to do," she said. "It’s what violation of the Constitution he engages in."

Nancy Pelosi claims that the ACA is her proudest legacy

Pelosi said that she hopes her legacy is defined primarily by her work on health care policy.

"I am very proud of the Affordable Care Act," she said.

"If I were to be remembered for one thing, it would be the Affordable Care Act," Pelosi added.

She argued that the legislation significantly improved the financial stability of many American families.

Nancy Pelosi explains tearing up the speech

Pelosi also revisited the moment she tore up Trump’s State of the Union address in 2020. She explained that the decision was spontaneous and reflected her reaction to the speech’s content.

"I thought it was a manifesto of lies all throughout, so I better just tear up the whole speech," Pelosi said.

She added that the moment surprised members of her own staff.

January 6 was the darkest day for Nancy Pelosi

Pelosi described the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol as the darkest moment of her tenure as Speaker.

She said congressional leaders urged Trump to deploy the National Guard during the unrest.

"They never sent them," Pelosi claimed.

Although federal cases tied to January 6 were dismissed following Trump’s 2024 election victory, Pelosi said that she believes history will judge the events.

"History will, he’ll pay a price in history," she said.