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yesterday

Eleanor Holmes Norton Declares Reelection Campaign in ‘Fighter’ Video as Colleagues Question Her Capacity

The 88-year-old delegate is defending her record on federal advocacy following a steep drop in her floor presence.

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton watches D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser speak at a press conference at the Children's National Hospital of Washington on May 2, 2025. Photo: Tom Brenner/The Washington Post via Getty Images
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Overview

  • Norton released a video on Monday portraying herself as a “fighter” and confirmed her bid for a 19th term representing Washington, D.C.
  • Several House Democrats and D.C. Councilwoman Brooke Pinto have voiced concerns about her reduced involvement in securing federal funding and legislative wins.
  • Official data show Norton’s days on the House floor fell from 44 in 2019–20 to just 18 during 2023–24, with only a handful of speeches this year.
  • Supporters like Rep. Stephen Lynch highlight her success in blocking over 100 federal attacks on D.C. laws and advancing a statehood bill twice in the House.
  • Debate over Norton’s fitness ties into a broader Democratic reckoning on aging leadership following eight House Democrat deaths over the past 2½ years.