Pelosi, Nancy Patricia, is an American politician serving as speaker of the United States House of Representatives since 2019, and previously from 2007 to 2011. She has served as a U.S. representative from California since 1987. Pelosi was first elected to Congress in 1987, when she became the first woman to lead a major party’s congressional campaign committee. As the Democratic Party’s leader in the House of Representatives, she has helped organize bipartisan coalitions that have passed health care reform and new energy legislation. The Successful Career of Nancy Pelosi
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Early Life & Education The Successful Career of Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Patricia D’Alesandro was born on March 26, 1940, in Baltimore to Annunciata M. Nancy (née Lombardi) and Thomas D’Alesandro Jr., both Italian Americans. She has two brothers, Thomas and John. Her paternal grandparents were Umberto D’Alesandro and Helen Lavinia Louise Lavin.
Professional Life before becoming Speaker
Rep. Pelosi’s professional career in politics began when she ran for a seat on California’s first delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 1976 after her husband, Peter D’Alessandro, was elected to that post a year earlier. She won, beginning her tenure at age 31 and becoming one of just six women serving in that delegation. While serving as a representative, Rep.
- Born: 26 March 1940 (age 82 years), Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Height: 1.64 m
- Spouse: Paul Pelosi (m. 1963)
- Office: Representative (D-CA 12th District) since 2013
- Children: Paul Pelosi, Jr., Alexandra Pelosi, Nancy Corinne Pelosi, Jacqueline Pelosi, Christine Pelosi
- Previous offices: Representative, CA 8th District (1993–2013), Representative, CA 5th District (1987–1993)
- Books: Know Your Power,
Becoming Speaker of the US House
It was a hard road to reach such high office but Pelosi persevered. Now, she’s sharing what worked for her in an attempt to help others advance their careers. We asked her how you can become Speaker of the House – and why everyone needs allies if they want a successful career.
Personal Life
Nancy Patricia D’Alesandro was born on March 26, 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland. She is a graduate of Trinity College in Washington, D.C., earning a B.A. in political science in 1962 and a M.A. in political science three years later.
Controversies & Accomplishments
Pelosi has received criticism for being one of Congress’s richest members. Her major assets have included commercial real estate in San Francisco, an investment portfolio worth between $43 million and $202 million, and shares in Napa Valley wineries that are valued at up to $5 million. In 2007, she reported a net worth between $23.3 million and $93.4 million, making her one of the wealthiest House members.
Political Ideology The Successful Career of Nancy Pelosi
San Francisco-born and bred, Nancy Pelosi joined politics by raising money for local Democratic candidates. As a result, she was elected party chair in both San Francisco and California’s 10th congressional district. It is one thing to raise money for fellow politicians; it is another to win over voters yourself. In November 1987, she won her first election as a representative from California’s 5th congressional district. To date, Nancy Pelosi has not lost an election.
Nancy Pelosi Children The Successful Career of Nancy Pelosi
John, Paul, and Alexandra were born in New York City, but after she was widowed by Thomas D’Alesandro Jr., her children moved with her to San Francisco. She has been married to Paul Pelosi since 1953. The couple has five grandchildren. Her son John is also a politician who served as U.S. representative from California from 1999 to 2005 and is currently a businessman in northern California. Her youngest daughter Alexandra is a television news producer and author.