Nancy Pelosi and Dianne Feinstein shaking hands
The decades-long Congressional careers of the California politicians Nancy Pelosi and Dianne Feinstein have come to an end. Both women represent an impressive generation of political leadership, and their retirement represents an incoming age of politics as younger generations call for a revitalized system of government.
Both former Speaker Pelosi and Senator Feinstein have been powerhouses in Congress throughout their respective careers. Feinstein served first as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and later as mayor, before being elected to the Senate in 1992. She championed gun reform, passing a bill banning assault weapons, and led the investigation on the CIA’s detention and interrogation program, exposing the American public to the brutality of the program. Feinstein has announced her retirement at the age of 89.
The Richmond Neighborhood Center
Speaker Pelosi began her career representing San Francisco in the House in 1987, and served a historic 19 years as head of the Democratic party in the chamber. Most notably, Pelosi successfully passed the Affordable Care Act, masterfully uniting a split party. Pelosi will continue to serve as a representative, but will retire from leadership. She leaves behind an impressive legacy.
The younger generation of Californians seems to support this transition from the old to the new. Eva Lee ‘23 emphasized the importance of circulating new ideas in the political sphere, saying, “It’s exciting to have younger voices in positions of power. It adds fresh perspectives to the political arena.” On a similar note, Rini Saha ‘25 said “This is a moment of change, and things won’t be the same as they once were.”
Grace Brady '23 is a Vol. 71 Managing Editor
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