Nancy Pelosi is planning to run for reelection next year and has not ruled out attempting to keep her leadership role after the 2022 midterms, as Democrats prepare for elections that could see them lose their grip on Congress.

It means House Speaker Pelosi, 81, is looking for her 18th full term.

Sources also told CNN she may yet seek to remain the top Democrat in the House after 2022, despite previously promising to step aside from a role that has seen her elevated to a hate figure for much of the right.

And it would mean running for reelection at the age of 82 

She plans to devote much of next year to raising money for Democrats as they try to hold on to their slim majority in the House, according to three sources. 

But letting it be known she plans to file and run again in her San Francisco district means she staves off being labelled a lame duck speaker undercutting her fundraising push. 

'Running, winning, and stepping aside at the appropriate time keeps her powder dry, avoids a run on Dem stock heading into the midterms, and sets her up to pick her successor in the special,' GOP lobbyist Liam Donovan told NBC News. 

'Not much to gain and lots to lose from tipping her hand now.'

Her departure would mean a radical shift for a party she has led in the House since 2003 - serving twice as House minority leader and twice as speaker.

When she was nominated again as speaker last year she suggested she would not be seeking a full term again.

She was asked how long she planned to stay in power and said: 'There was a move to put limits on the leadership and the chairs of committees. 

'They said they were going to do it, they didn't do it. But what I said then was whether it passes or not, I will abide by those limits.'