Democratic Washington, D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, 88, has decided she will not seek reelection in 2026. Norton’s campaign has officially filed a termination report with the Federal Election Commission that ends her reelection efforts before the midterms held later this year. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser responded to the news of Norton’s decision in a post on social media platform X.
“I want to congratulate Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on a remarkable career. For 35 years, Congresswoman Norton has been our Warrior on the Hill – from securing shutdown protection for the city and the creation of DCTAG, to defeating continued attacks on Home Rule and leading historic votes in the House for DC Statehood. Her work embodies the unwavering resolve of a city that refuses to yield in its fight for equal representation,” Bowser said of Norton in the post.
Fellow Democrat Donna Brazile, who worked with Norton in the past, wrote an editorial in September 2025, calling for Norton to retire. “It’s in her best interest, and the interest of D.C., for her to serve her current term but then end her extraordinary service in Congress and not seek reelection next year,” Brazile said in the opinion piece. “As I’ve told her in person, retirement from Congress is the right next chapter for her — and for the District.”
Norton has served in her position for over three and a half decades, first taking office in 1991. As of this writing, there are several other individuals vying for her seat, including Trent Holbrook, who once worked as a staffer for the aging Democrat. Holbrook weighed in on her reelection campaign when it was ongoing in a report from the Washington Post.
“I think it’s evident that she’s not going to successfully run,” Holbrook said. “Congresswoman Norton is one of the most successful lawmakers in American history.” It’s important to point out that Norton does not get to cast a vote on bills like a representative in the House would, however, she can introduce new legislation and sit on committees.
The American Tribune previously reported that the 88-year-old Democrat had emphatically stated in September 2025, she would, much to the chagrin of many Americans who have grown sick and tired of seeing government at all levels dominated by elderly politicians, would not be stepping aside, but would seek reelection.
When asked if she was concerned about her advanced age or claims from the public that the seat needs to be represented by someone younger with more energy, she responded at the time by saying she wasn’t worried about a thing and would “of course” be running for re-election. In an interview, Norton said, “I say that my seniority is what is very important, and I am not going to step aside.”
"*" indicates required fields
While Norton seems to have had a change of heart about running for another term, there are plenty of other older Democrats who have stated they have no plans of stepping aside for newcomers any time soon. Rep. John Larson (D-CT), who is 77 years old, confirmed that he will be running for re-election in the 2026 midterms, despite the concerns raised about his health, going so far as to say those who would potentially replace him haven’t earned that right yet.
Featured Image: screenshot from embedded video