Moore, Maryland Democrats honor Rep. Nancy Pelosi in Annapolis

Maryland Democrats honored the public service of House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi from dawn until dusk Monday, in a series of ceremonies held in Annapolis.

The Senate awarded the Baltimore native the First Citizen Award, given annually to Marylanders who have helped make government work for the benefit of all. The House of Delegates also presented Pelosi with a resolution, commending her time in office.

“Nothing happens because of one person,” Pelosi said before the Senate. “It’s all about a collaboration. It’s all about bringing people together, it’s all about community, which has the word unity right in it.

Pelosi’s husband and other family members attended the ceremonies.

Not every member of the Senate was pleased with Senate President Bill Ferguson’s choice to honor Pelosi.

Minority Leader Sen. Stephen Hershey said Pelosi was “one of the most polarizing political figures of our time.” The Republican representing the Eastern Shore said he would have not chosen to give her the First Citizen Award.

Two veteran Democratic state lawmakers were honored alongside Pelosi with the award: former House of Delegates Speaker Adrienne A. Jones of Baltimore County and Sen. Joanne Benson of Prince George’s County.

Both have announced they are not seeking reelection.

In a separate event, Democrats feted Pelosi at an Annapolis breakfast hosted by Gov. Wes Moore and his wife, Dawn.

Pelosi announced in November she won’t seek reelection, one of many seasoned members of Congress stepping down to make way for a younger generation. The nation’s first female speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Pelosi has represented San Francisco since 1987, nearly four decades.

Guests at the breakfast included most of the state’s congressional delegation, state lawmakers, advocates and lobbyists. Rep. Glenn Ivey strolled in with former Gov. Martin O’Malley. Former Gov. Parris Glendening was also spotted inside, according to attendees.

Pelosi spoke about her deep ties to Baltimore and how they’ve been fundamental in how she’s represented her San Francisco district, guests said.

Vincent DeMarco, a longtime health care advocate in Annapolis, said Moore and Van Hollen also gave flattering speeches.

“You go down in history, and nobody accomplished more than she did,” DeMarco said.

Del. Pam Queen, representing Montgomery County, said the event was filled with excitement and energy for the Democratic celebrity’s visit. People lined up at the end of the event to take photos with her.

Born Nancy D’Alesandro in Baltimore’s Little Italy neighborhood in 1940, Pelosi has been a part of Democratic politics since she came into the world. Her father, Thomas D’Alesandro Jr., was a congressman when she was born and later became mayor. Her oldest brother, Thomas D’Alesandro III, or “Young Tommy,” served as City Council president and was later elected mayor as well.

In the House, Pelosi held the gavel twice. During her first time as speaker, from 2007 to 2011, she steered the House in passing landmark legislation into law — the Affordable Care Act, the Dodd-Frank financial reforms in the aftermath of the Great Recession, and a repeal of the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy against LGBTQ+ service members.

After Democrats lost control of the House in the 2022 midterm elections, Pelosi announced she would not seek another term as party leader.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

This article has been updated.