Before running for office in 1987, Nancy Pelosi raised five children and worked for decades as a Democratic Party volunteer. (Chris Buck / For The Times)
As the new House minority leader, San Francisco Democrat Nancy Pelosi holds the highest congressional post ever attained by a woman. How did she get there? Learning at the feet of her father, legendary Baltimore politician Tommy D’Alesandro Jr., didn’t hurt. (Chris Buck / For The Times)
Born and raised in Baltimore, Nancy Pelosi learned the meaning of tough. (Andrea Ventura / For The Times)