Nancy Pelosi’s Rhode Island Connections
During her historic career, Nancy Pelosi worked with numerous politicians, including Democrats and Republicans from Rhode Island. On Thursday, Pelosi announced she will not seek reelection next year, concluding a remarkable tenure as one of the most influential leaders in modern American history.
Memories from Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation
In 2022, when Pelosi stepped down as the Democratic leader in the House, current and former Rhode Island congressional members shared their experiences working with her. Below are their stories and additional reflections from those who know her best in the Ocean State.
Patrick Kennedy’s Story
Patrick Kennedy represented Rhode Island’s 1st District from 1995 to 2011, overlapping Pelosi’s time as the first female House Speaker starting in 2007. He described Pelosi as fiercely loyal to her colleagues, which earned their unwavering support during legislative battles.
“I was in rehab when the Affordable Care Act was up for a vote. Pelosi needed my vote so badly that she called my doctor and asked if I could come to the Capitol for four hours. The doctor agreed, she sent a car for me, and after the vote, she hugged me and said, ‘OK, honey, now you can go back to treatment.’”
This story exemplifies Pelosi’s dedication and personal care for her colleagues.
Author’s Summary
Nancy Pelosi’s commitment to her colleagues and leadership shaped her historic career, with Rhode Island politicians remembering her loyalty and personal support vividly.