Nancy Pelosi in the San Francisco Examiner: 'I believe in San Francisco'

San Francisco – In a deeply personal holiday reflection published today in the San Francisco Examiner, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi reflected on her nearly four decades representing San Francisco in Congress, expressing gratitude for The City’s people, resilience and enduring spirit. Writing directly to San Franciscans, Pelosi emphasized The City’s history of compassion in moments of crisis and its role in leading the nation with dignity, justice and hope.

As she prepares for her final year of service in Congress, Pelosi’s message underscored her belief in San Francisco’s future 'as heaven on Earth’, reaffirmed her commitment to democratic participation and called on residents to continue lighting the way with goodness for the country and generations to come.

Read the full letter below:

Nancy Pelosi: ‘I believe in San Francisco’

[By Nancy Pelosi, 12/24/25]

Dear San Francisco,

At this holy time of year — a season of reflection, hope and gratitude — my heart is full.

We are blessed to call this extraordinary city home. Yes, its beauty is breathtaking, but the true wonder of San Francisco has always been its people: the workers and families, the students and veterans, the dreamers and doers who fill our neighborhoods — from Chinatown to the Mission, from the Fillmore to the Sunset — with culture, compassion and creativity.

In every season, I am especially grateful for the spirit that has seen us through triumphs and trials alike. When earthquakes struck, when HIV/AIDS devastated our community, when economic hardship tested us — San Franciscans met those moments with courage, innovation and an abiding sense of responsibility for one another. Our city proved that progress is possible when compassion leads the way.

As I wrote recently, America is great when America is good — and San Francisco has always led with goodness. We show the nation what it means to honor the dignity of every person, to welcome newcomers, to stand tall for justice and to build a future rooted in hope.

For nearly 40 years, representing you in Congress has been the greatest official honor of my life. You entrusted me to be your voice, to fight for our shared values, and to bring home resources that strengthened our health care, expanded transit, protected our environment, and lifted up families and communities across our city.

As I prepare for my final year of service as your proud representative, I am filled with gratitude for your confidence, your partnership and your example. And I am filled with optimism in our future. Because I believe in San Francisco. I believe in the goodness of its people. And I believe, as St. Francis teaches us, that we are called always to be instruments of peace.

This Christmas, my prayer for our city — and for our country — is that we continue to offer faith where there is darkness, hope where there is despair and love where there is sorrow; that we remain full participants in our democracy; and that we carry forward our city’s tradition of lighting the way — for the country and for generations to come.

San Francisco, know your power. Know your beauty. Know your goodness.

Thank you for the blessing of representing the greatest city on Earth — the place that I will always believe is heaven on Earth.

May God bless you. And from my family to yours: Merry Christmas and happy holidays.