Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District of Columbia’s longtime delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, has announced that she will step away from public office at the conclusion of her current term, ending one of the longest tenures in modern congressional history.
Norton, who is 88 years old, confirmed on Saturday that she has withdrawn from the upcoming election cycle, bringing an end to her campaign for another term. Her decision means she will leave office in January 2027, closing a chapter that began more than three decades ago when she was first elected in 1990.
In a public statement, Norton reflected on her years of service, describing her time representing the nation’s capital as the most meaningful work of her professional life. She acknowledged that her age played a role in her decision to retire, saying it was the right moment to pass the responsibility to a new generation of leadership.
As Washington, D.C.’s non-voting delegate, Norton held a unique position in Congress. While she was not permitted to vote on final House legislation, she played an active role in committees, introduced bills, and used her platform to amplify the concerns of District residents. Over the years, she became a central figure in debates over home rule, voting rights, and the push for D.C. statehood.
Her departure is expected to significantly reshape the city’s political landscape. With no incumbent in the race, the contest to succeed her is anticipated to draw a wide field of candidates from local and national politics, making it the first truly open race for the delegate seat in more than a generation.
Throughout her career, Norton was widely recognized as one of the most persistent voices advocating for full representation and self-governance for Washington, D.C. residents. Her influence extended beyond legislation, helping keep the issue of equal rights for the District on the national agenda.
Although she will remain in office until the end of her term, Norton’s announcement marks the beginning of a transition period for the District, signaling both the end of an era and the start of a new political chapter.
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