D.C. Delegate Norton Reiterates Re-election Plans Amid Office Uncertainty

Eleanor Holmes Norton, the 88-year-old nonvoting delegate representing Washington, D.C. in the House of Representatives, has stated multiple times that she intends to run for reelection in 2026. However, her office has repeatedly walked back these comments, saying no final decision has been made and that she is still consulting with family, friends, and advisors. This conflicting messaging has raised concerns about her ability to continue serving effectively due to her age, with some House Democrats noting she has become less involved in recent months. Norton's future is particularly significant as the Republican-led Congress is attempting to override D.C. local laws, and some city leaders question whether she is the right person to lead the opposition. At 88, she is among the oldest members of Congress, drawing parallels to the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, who struggled with similar issues before her death in 2023. Norton has served as D.C.'s nonvoting delegate since 1991 and remains a key figure amid ongoing debates about age and political power within the Democratic Party.