Pelosi marks 100th woman Democrat in House

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi celebrated on November 5, 2026, that more than 100 women from her party have secured seats in the U.S. House of Representatives following the midterm elections. The milestone represents a record number for the Democratic Party in the lower chamber.

Pelosi took to her official account on X to announce the result. She contrasted the current numbers with the political environment she entered nearly four decades ago. "When I came to Congress in 1987, there were only twelve women Democrats," she wrote. "We made that our mission: to change it."

Her first term began during the 100th Congress. She won a special election in California on June 2, 1987. At that time, the number of women serving in the federal legislature was far lower than today's figures. Pelosi later became the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House in January 2007. She held the position again from 2019 to 2023.

The Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University provided the data behind Pelosi's announcement. The organization confirmed that at least 100 women Democrats will serve in the next Congress. This body begins its session in January 2027. The CAWP noted that the total number of women in the House will reach at least 116. This includes 16 Republican women.

The final count may shift. As of the morning of November 4, 2026, dozens of legislative races remained undecided. The CAWP identified the current tally as a new benchmark for female representation within the Democratic ranks.

Pelosi concluded her social media post by connecting the legislative outcome to national performance. "Today we celebrate the election of more than 100 women Democrats to the House, a tremendous joy and source of pride," she stated. She ended the message with the phrase: "When women succeed, America succeeds!"