Longtime DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton is ending her reelection campaign for Congress
Source: WSLS-TV Roanoke, VA/AP
Published: January 25, 2026 at 2:46 PM
WASHINGTON Eleanor Holmes Norton, the 18-term delegate for the District of Columbia in Congress and a veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, has filed paperwork to end her campaign for reelection, likely closing out a decades-long career in public service.
Norton, 88, has been the sole representative of the residents of the nation's capital in Congress since 1991, but she faced increasing questions about her effectiveness after the Trump administration began its sweeping intervention into the city last year.
Mayor Muriel Bowser congratulated Norton on her retirement.
For 35 years, Congresswoman Norton has been our Warrior on the Hill, Bowser wrote on social media. Her work embodies the unwavering resolve of a city that refuses to yield in its fight for equal representation."
Norton's campaign filed a termination report with the Federal Election Commission on Sunday. Her office has not released an official statement about the delegates intentions. The filing was first reported by NOTUS.
Read more: https://www.wsls.com/news/politics/2026/01/25/longtime-dc-delegate-eleanor-holmes-norton-is-ending-her-reelection-campaign-for-congress/
Link to NOTUS article - D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton Files to Terminate Reelection Campaign
Based on the NPR reelection tracker (last updated Jan. 20, 2026) - https://www.npr.org/2025/09/15/nx-s1-5534254/house-senate-retirement-tracker-2026
she would be #49 in the House.
2naSalit
(101,315 posts)And weathered some tough times, this current set of concerns for the city require a younger leader who can be strong for the coming times. Glad she decided to let go.
BumRushDaShow
(167,515 posts)it will be interesting to see who emerges as a frontrunner for the position. As I understand, there is a crowded field and I look forward to seeing who emerges.
Eleanor has been in that position since 1990, so just over 35 years!
2naSalit
(101,315 posts)Almost seems like she's always been there, forever.
It will be interesting to see who emerges!
