Nancy Pelosi stories from the Rhode Islanders who know her best - The Boston Globe

Nancy Pelosi: Stories from Rhode Islanders Who Know Her Best

During her historic career, Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the House, worked with numerous politicians, including both Democrats and Republicans from Rhode Island. She announced on Thursday that she will not seek reelection next year, concluding a remarkable career as one of modern American history's most influential political figures.

Pelosi had many connections in Rhode Island. In 2022, when she stepped down as the House Democratic leader, current and former members of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation shared their stories and memories of her. Below are some of those reflections, along with additional accounts from people who know her well in the Ocean State.

Patrick Kennedy’s Recollection

Patrick Kennedy represented Rhode Island’s 1st District from 1995 to 2011, overlapping with Pelosi's tenure as the first female Speaker starting in 2007. He described Pelosi as fiercely loyal to her colleagues, which earned their unwavering support when she needed votes.

“I was in rehab when the Affordable Care Act vote was happening. Pelosi needed my vote so badly that she called my doctor and asked if she could bring me to the Capitol for four hours. The doctor agreed, and Pelosi sent a car for me. After the vote, she hugged me and said, ‘OK, honey, now you can go back to treatment.’”

Rhode Island Connections

Author's summary: Nancy Pelosi's Rhode Island colleagues remember her steadfast loyalty and personal commitment to securing crucial votes during her historic political career.

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The Boston Globe The Boston Globe — 2025-11-08

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