Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, has announced her intention to run for re-election in the upcoming November elections. At the age of 83, Mrs.

Pelosi, who has represented the San Francisco district since 1987, previously served two terms as speaker from 2007 to 2011 and then again from 2019 to 2023. She led House Democrats for two decades before stepping down as leader following the Republican victory in last year's election.

Her decision to seek re-election is expected to revive discussions about the age of political leaders in the United States. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Ms. Pelosi stated, "Now more than ever, our City requires us to champion San Francisco values and continue our recovery.

Our country needs to demonstrate to the world that our flag still stands for liberty and justice for ALL. That's why I'm running for re-election, and I respectfully request your vote."

Mrs. Pelosi holds the distinction of being the first woman in US history to serve as Speaker of the House and has played a pivotal role in advancing or obstructing the agendas of multiple presidents.

She is widely recognized for her efforts in shepherding the passage of former President Barack Obama's landmark healthcare legislation and legislation related to infrastructure and climate change under the current President, Joe Biden.

Throughout Donald Trump's presidency, Mrs. Pelosi also engaged in direct confrontations with him, most notably tearing up a copy of his State of the Union address during a high-profile moment.

She stood down as Democratic leader after the Republicans narrowly re-took the House in last year's election and Kevin McCarthy was elected speaker after a lengthy process.

That decision to quit the top job had fuelled speculation that she would retire after 2024's midterm election.

But US media reported that she told top advisers and activists at a breakfast on Friday of her plans to seek re-election, before formally announcing the move on X.

Her decision to seek a 19th term in office comes as the country reflects on the rising age profile of its top politicians.

US President Joe Biden will be 81 by the time he seeks re-election next year, while his most likely opponent - former President Donald Trump - will be 78.

Meanwhile, many questioned whether the top Republican in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, ought to stand down after the 81-year-old appeared to freeze for the second time in just over a month at a media event last week.

Polling consistently shows a majority of Americans - about three-quarters - favor age limits on people who serve in the White House and Congress.

And roughly the same proportion say they are concerned that Mr Biden's age could affect his physical and mental competence, according to CNN.

Only God's kingdom can solve mankind's problem