Most Influential People2019

Nancy Pelosi

By Hillary Rodham Clinton
U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi► Watch
Pari Dukovic for TIME

Too often it seems we have a surplus of bluster in our national politics and a deficit of action. But then there’s Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

In the 2018 midterms, Nancy was the driving force that brought a Democratic majority back to the House, and opened the door for a Congress that’s more diverse than any other in our nation’s history and has some of its youngest members ever. Never one to back down from a bully, Nancy didn’t mince words during a visit to the White House after the elections. “Please don’t characterize the strength that I bring to this meeting,” she said, standing up for herself and millions of Americans.

She delivered. Under her leadership, Democrats passed the first major gun-­safety bill in a generation and desperately needed voting-­rights legislation. As Democrats continue fighting to protect reproductive rights, pass paid family leave, protect Americans’ right to affordable health care and hold this Administration to account, Nancy is leading the charge.

There’s a saying that goes: “If you want something done, ask a busy woman to do it.” Speaker Nancy Pelosi is living proof that when it comes to getting the job done, more often than not, it takes a woman.

Clinton, a Democrat, is a former Senator and Secretary of State, and was the first female presidential nominee of a major party