Nancy Pelosi first joined the U.S. Congress in 1987, after winning a special election to the House of Representatives from California.

Quick answer

  • Nancy Pelosi entered Congress in 1987 , winning a special election to fill the seat of the late Rep. Sala Burton of California.
  • She was then reelected in 1988 to a full term and has served continuously in the House since 1987.

Extra context

  • Pelosi’s first term in Congress is recorded as beginning in 1987 , following her victory in the 1986–87 special election for a San Francisco–area district.
  • Reference biographies and fact pages consistently note that she “first joined the House in 1987 after narrowly winning a special election” and has represented California in the U.S. House from 1987 onward.

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