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Eleanor Holmes Norton, 88, to Retire After 36 Years Representing D.C.

Her exit sets up a competitive Democratic primary for the district’s nonvoting House seat on June 16.

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., speaks during a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., leaves during a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
U.S. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., speaks during a House Committee on Oversight and Reform hearing on gun violence on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S. June 8, 2022. Andrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
Eleanor Holmes Norton attends a hearing in the Capitol on September 10, 2025.

Overview

  • Norton announced she will retire at the end of her current term and said she will continue serving through its conclusion.
  • Her campaign filed FEC termination paperwork on Jan. 25 after raising $7.50 this month, reporting zero cash on hand and roughly $90,000 in loans owed to herself.
  • The open race now centers on a June 16 Democratic primary featuring Robert C. White Jr., Brooke Pinto, former aide Trent Holbrook, Kinney Zalesne, and other candidates.
  • Norton, first elected in 1990 and sworn in for 1991, has served 18 terms as D.C.’s nonvoting delegate, championing statehood and defending local home rule.
  • The decision follows sustained questions about her age and effectiveness, including a police report alleging early-stage dementia that her office disputed.