Anna Eshoo, a Democratic congresswoman from the San Francisco Bay Area and a close ally of Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), is forgoing a run for re-election next year.

Eshoo is the second major Pelosi ally to make her exit this year, after Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA)

How much longer before Pelosi joins them?

Pelosi ally retires

Eshoo's Silicon Valley district is safe in Democrats' hands, but there will likely be a fierce primary battle.

80-year-old Eshoo is only a few years in age behind her friend Pelosi - but unlike Eshoo, Pelosi isn't relinquishing her San Francisco seat in 2024.

"Any subject you can name, healthcare, education, energy, technology, climate, whatever the subject she has been on the forefront," Pelosi said of her friend.

Eshoo, who served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said farewell to her constituents of 30 years in a video message.

“I’m choosing this beautiful season of Thanksgiving to announce that I will not be seeking reelection,” Eshoo said in a video posted on X. “And I do so with a heart filled with unending gratitude to you, my magnificent constituents.”

Eshoo is part of the largest exodus of lawmakers in more than a decade. Some have blamed the rise in retirements on recent events in Washington, where divided government - and intraparty feuding in the GOP - have led to considerable drama.

But Eshoo said, "I'm not fleeing the Congress. That's not what my decision is about at all....I think that it's time for me."

Silicon Valley opening

Eshoo also received praise from House Democrat leader Hakeem Jeffries, of New York.

“It is fitting that Silicon Valley has been represented by a prolific legislator, innovator, and barrier breaker like Anna Eshoo,” Jeffries said. “Anna has been a personal mentor and source of encouragement and inspiration throughout my journey in Congress and I wish her and her family the best in this new chapter at the conclusion of a historic Congressional career.”

In 2018, Eshoo met privately with Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault, weeks before Ford's claims went public, nearly derailing Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court.

Eshoo urged Ford to contact the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, who was later criticized for withholding Ford's claims.