Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi confidently predicted that the Democratic Party will reclaim control of the House of Representatives in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. In an interview aired on ABC News on Sunday, Pelosi asserted her belief in the party’s capacity to reverse its fortunes during this pivotal election cycle.
During the segment on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” Pelosi expressed strong support for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, stating that he is equipped to transition into the role of Speaker should the Democrats succeed. “I have none of the doubts that Democrats will retake the House,” she said, emphasizing her confidence in Jeffries’ leadership abilities. Currently, Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House, with 220 seats compared to the Democrats’ 215.
Pelosi’s optimistic outlook aligns with recent polling trends, which suggest a slight advantage for Democratic candidates as Donald Trump completes the first year of his second term. Various major pollsters indicate that Democrats are leading Republicans by varying margins in the race for the House. A November Gallup poll highlighted Trump’s declining popularity, revealing an approval rating of just 36% and a disapproval rating of 60%.
Adding to the shifting landscape, several prominent Republicans, including former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, have declared they will not seek re-election. This exodus from the political arena could further bolster the Democrats’ chances in 2026.
In her interview, Pelosi was critical of the current Republican-controlled Congress, stating it has surrendered too much authority to Trump. She claimed, “Right now, the Republicans in Congress have abolished the Congress. They just do what the president insists that they do.” Pelosi argued that regaining a Democratic majority would restore legislative independence and accountability.
Having stepped down from House leadership in 2022, Pelosi announced last month that she will not run for re-election as a Representative from California. She intends to retire when her current term concludes in early 2027. When questioned about the possibility of a third impeachment of Trump, Pelosi expressed skepticism, indicating that impeachment should be a response to constitutional violations rather than a predetermined decision. “I’ve said to people, the one person who was responsible for the impeachments of Donald Trump is Donald Trump,” she noted, underscoring the complexity of such a political maneuver.
As the political landscape evolves, Pelosi’s predictions and critiques may resonate strongly with voters, shaping the strategies of the Democratic Party as they seek to regain control of the House in the 2026 elections.
