The BareStory
Eleanor Holmes Norton, the 88-year-old nonvoting delegate representing Washington, D.C., has signaled the end of her bid for a 19th term in Congress. Her campaign filed a termination notice with the Federal Election Commission on Sunday, January 25, 2026. While the filing marks a halt to her current campaign operations, procedural rules would still permit her to file for reelection.
The decision follows a period of increased scrutiny regarding Norton’s fitness for office and her withdrawal from public events. Reports citing an internal police document from last year alleged that Norton was experiencing cognitive decline and had fallen victim to a financial scam. Additionally, a former top aide publicly called for her retirement, and her campaign had reportedly raised limited funds recently.
Norton’s potential exit clears the way for a crowded Democratic primary. Declared candidates for the seat include D.C. Council members Brooke Pinto and Robert White, strategist Kinney Zalesne, and Trent Holbrook, a former aide to the delegate.
First elected in 1990, Norton is a former civil rights activist who spent her legislative career advocating for D.C. statehood and defending the city’s autonomy against federal intervention. She is one of only two individuals to serve as the district's delegate since the position was created in 1970.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
The contest to replace the long-serving delegate will introduce a new primary advocate to Congress for issues surrounding D.C. statehood and the district's autonomy from federal control.
Voters in the nation's capital will face a crowded primary election with multiple candidates now vying to shape the future of the district's interaction with the federal government.
Norton's departure following reports of health challenges and financial scams marks a definitive shift in leadership for a congressional position held by the same individual since 1990.
