Dateline: 11/14/02

Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California's 8th district became the highest-ranking woman ever to serve in the U.S. Congress today, as her fellow Democrats elected Pelosi to serve as House Minority Leader.

In unofficial results, Pelosi defeated Rep. Harold Ford Jr. of Tennessee by a vote of 177 - 29. Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio withdrew just prior to the vote.

In October, Pelosi, then serving as House Minority Whip, was the leading Democrat in the House to vote against the resolution authorizing President Bush to use military force in Iraq.

Viewed as a liberal, Pelosi told Democrats they must underscore their differences with Republicans on the economy, foreign policy, health care and education if they are to win back control of the House and presidency in 2004.

"I have received an outpouring of support from my colleagues who want to work together to formulate a strong Democratic message," said Pelosi.

Pelosi Has Long Political Background
Pelosi has served California's 8th Congressional District, which includes most of the City of San Francisco, continuously in the House since first being elected in 1987.

Stating a strong commitment to supporting legislation on education, health care, housing, and environmental protection, Pelosi says she believes in sound fiscal policy and economic growth programs that will include all, rather than exclude some Americans.

Among her many committee assignments, Pelosi is a senior member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, and serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. In her committee functions, Pelosi focused on issues such as education, minimum wage, workplace safety, and AIDS treatment and prevention. 

In addition to her new role as House Minority Leader, Rep. Pelosi is the Ranking Democrat on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Her focus on the committee is to ensure that the executive branch has the tools it needs to protect both the United States and the civil liberties of its citizens.

Rep. Pelosi graduated from Trinity College in Washington, D.C. in 1962. She and her husband, Paul Pelosi, a native of San Francisco, have five children: Nancy Corinne, Christine, Jacqueline, Paul and Alexandra, and five grandchildren.

Other Congressional Leadership Positions Set
Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Illinois - 14th) will continue as Speaker of the House in the 108th Congress. In the Senate, Republican Leader Trent Lott of Mississippi and Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota will continue in their posts.