Eleanor Holmes Norton, Longtime D.C. Delegate, Announces Retirement

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton filed a Federal Election Commission termination report on Jan. 25, 2026, and announced on Jan. 27, 2026, that she will retire at the end of her current term, according to her written statement.

Norton, 88, has represented the District of Columbia in the U.S. House since Jan. 3, 1991, and has long led the push for D.C. statehood, a campaign she described as fighting for 700,000 taxpaying Americans.

Her announcement comes after months of public concern about her health and mental acuity, including reports in 2025 of a police report noting "early stages of dementia," which her office disputed, according to NBC Washington and a statement from her staff.

D.C. officials including Mayor Muriel Bowser praised Norton’s achievements such as the revitalization of the Wharf and the transfer of RFK Stadium, while some allies privately said the district needs a more active representative, according to statements and interviews.

Candidates including D.C. Council members and former congressional aides have already entered the 2026 race to replace Norton, and primaries are expected to reshape the contest ahead of the Nov. 2026 general election.