Key Takeaways
- Recent disclosures show Paul Pelosi acquired call options on Intel and Uber valued between $1 million and $6 million
- The transactions involved 200 call option contracts for each company, both featuring $50 strike prices and March 2027 expiration dates
- Intel shares have surged more than 250% in 2026, receiving strong endorsements from market analysts including Jim Cramer
- The Pelosi investment portfolio exceeds $40 million and has demonstrated performance that rivals top market indices
- Debate continues over stock trading by members of Congress, with proposed legislation still pending
Congressional financial disclosures filed by Nancy Pelosi reveal that her spouse, Paul Pelosi, executed significant call option purchases on Intel and Uber during late May 2026. The combined value of these transactions ranges from $1 million to $6 million.
The filings indicate Paul Pelosi acquired 200 call option contracts for both companies. Since each contract represents 100 underlying shares, this transaction grants him the ability to purchase 20,000 shares of Intel and an equal amount of Uber shares. Both options feature identical terms: a $50 strike price and expiration scheduled for March 19, 2027.
A call option provides its holder with the privilege—but not the requirement—to acquire shares at a predetermined price. Rather than purchasing shares directly, the option buyer pays an upfront premium for this right. This approach is commonly employed by investors seeking amplified market exposure through leverage.
Intel’s Remarkable 2026 Performance
Intel has emerged as a top-performing stock in 2026. Year-to-date gains exceed 250%, with shares currently hovering around $129.
This impressive rally stems largely from advancements in Intel’s foundry operations under CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who assumed leadership in March 2025. The semiconductor giant has achieved improved production efficiency on cutting-edge chip designs, establishing itself as a viable American alternative to international manufacturers such as Taiwan Semiconductor.
Jim Cramer of CNBC recently highlighted Intel as his preferred AI chip investment. His rationale centers on anticipated changes in AI data center architecture, where the CPU-to-GPU ratio is projected to shift from 1-to-8 toward a balanced 1-to-1 configuration, creating substantial advantages for Intel’s traditional CPU segment.
Given that Intel’s current market price significantly exceeds Paul Pelosi’s $50 strike price, these options are categorized as “in the money.” While this status likely resulted in a higher initial premium, it substantially reduces the probability of the options expiring without value.
Uber Holdings and the Pelosi Investment Strategy
Uber has demonstrated steadier performance compared to Intel throughout 2026. The stock trades near $70, placing Pelosi’s $50 strike price firmly in profitable territory.
The Pelosi family maintains an investment portfolio valued above $40 million, distributed across numerous equities. Major holdings include Amazon, Google, Nvidia, and Apple.
Historically, the family’s investment performance has exceeded S&P 500 returns and has occasionally surpassed even Warren Buffett’s results during comparable timeframes. Nancy Pelosi’s personal wealth is estimated at $234 million.
These most recent disclosures, signed June 23, document transactions executed on May 29. Federal law mandates that congressional members report stock transactions within a 45-day window.
Ongoing Controversy Over Congressional Stock Trading
Stock trading by sitting members of Congress remains a contentious issue. More than 400 current lawmakers actively participate in equity markets.
Studies indicate congressional stock portfolios frequently outperform general market benchmarks. A New York Times analysis covering 2019 through 2021 discovered that over half of trading members served on committees with direct oversight of companies in which they held positions.
The proposed HONEST Act, designed to prohibit federal legislators from trading individual securities, has advanced through Senate committee review but awaits final passage. Nancy Pelosi has publicly endorsed this legislation.
Nancy Pelosi recently announced her decision not to pursue re-election, concluding a congressional career spanning nearly four decades.


