In speaking to the House, Pelosi has officially announced she will step down from House Democratic Leadership. After two decades of holding the top seat among the House Democrats, and being the first woman to hold the speakership, she will move on from her role as the top member of the Democratic party in the House.

“For me the hour’s come for a new generation to lead the democratic caucus that I so deeply respect. And I am grateful that so many are ready and willing to shoulder this awesome responsibility,” Pelosi said.

After her speech, Pelosi embraced Eric Swalwell’s daughter — a moment reminiscent of when she called all the children present in the chamber to the day when she was sworn in as speaker.

After her husband, Paul, was viciously beaten in their San Francisco home late last month by a perpetrator who was rumored to be plotting to kidnap and harm the speaker herself, Pelosi made the decision to move on and move forward into a new role. It is not yet clear what role she will take on. But staying in Congress, Pelosi could remain an influence and a guide for the new generation of Democrats who are likely to rise into the senior leadership ranks with her departure from the top job.

With her departure from the top position, a new generation of Democrats is expected to ascend into the senior leadership ranks. By remaining in Congress, Ms. Pelosi might continue to influence, impact, and serve as a mentor for this new Congress, so it’s unlikely she will stray far.

The 83-year-old majority leader Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland and the 82-year-old whip, Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, were the other two members of her senior leadership team. Her statement aroused concerns about whether they would resign as well.

This might open the door for the rise of a younger generation of party leaders who have been waiting in the wings, most notably Representatives Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, and Pete Aguilar of California.