At 88, Democratic D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton has made the stunning decision to withdraw from her bid for a 19th term in Congress.

On Sunday, Norton filed a termination report with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), officially ending her reelection campaign, as first reported by NOTUS. She has served as D.C.’s nonvoting delegate since her first election in 1990, facing minimal opposition over the decades. The filing comes months after a police report noted her as being in the early stages of dementia, though her office has not confirmed this assessment.

While Norton’s long service to D.C. is undeniable, questions about her fitness for another term have grown louder.

Long Tenure Meets Growing Concerns

Since 1990, Norton has been a fixture in D.C. politics, often sailing through elections unchallenged. But whispers of concern began to emerge, culminating in a troubling October 2025 incident at her Washington residence. Scammers charged her credit card $4,000 for fake cleaning services, and a police report from that event raised eyebrows, according to The Daily Caller.

The report described her condition with the words, “suffers from early stages of dementia.” A spokesperson for Norton quickly pushed back, calling it a “medical diagnosis” based on an assumption by an unqualified officer. Still, the spokesperson refused to confirm or deny the condition to NBC4 Washington.

That incident wasn’t the only red flag. By September 2025, D.C. Councilman Robert White, 43, entered the race, arguing the District needed fresh energy. His blunt assessment—“like most people in D.C., we recognize that she can’t do the things that she once did”—cut to the heart of a growing sentiment.

Campaign Struggles and Financial Woes

Norton’s campaign also showed signs of strain on the financial front. Over the first 25 days of 2026, her campaign raised a mere $7.50 while spending over $4,000, leaving no cash on hand by the time of the Sunday filing. Even in the final three months of 2025, receipts were just $2,520 against nearly $5,000 spent.

These numbers paint a picture of a campaign running on fumes. For a delegate who once commanded unwavering support, such dismal fundraising suggests even loyal donors had begun to look elsewhere. The writing was on the wall.

Adding to the pressure, Norton faced a competitive Democratic primary field for the first time in nearly four decades. Alongside White, D.C. Councilwoman Brooke Pinto, 33, remains in the race. This wasn’t the sleepy reelection of years past—it was a real contest.

Voices Calling for Change

Criticism didn’t just come from opponents. Donna Brazile, Norton’s former campaign manager and chief of staff during her early years, penned a pointed op-ed in The Washington Post in September 2025. Her words carried weight given their shared history.

Yet, the push for Norton to step aside isn’t just about one person. It’s part of a broader conversation about aging politicians clinging to power while younger, eager voices wait in the wings. D.C., with only one elected member in Congress, can’t afford representation that’s past its prime.

Look at the remaining congressional members born in the 1930s—Chuck Grassley, Hal Rogers, and Maxine Waters. Grassley, at 92, has served since the Eisenhower era and plans to run again in 2028, while Rogers and Waters seek reelection in 2026. Is longevity in office always a virtue, or does it risk stagnation?

What’s Next for D.C. Representation?

Norton’s exit leaves an open field, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for D.C. residents. With no voting power in Congress, the delegate’s role is symbolic yet vital—requiring sharp advocacy to push the District’s interests. White and Pinto now have a clearer path, but they’ll need to prove they can fill Norton’s shoes.

Her office didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation, leaving many questions unanswered. Was this decision truly hers, or did mounting pressure force her hand? The silence speaks volumes.

Ultimately, Norton’s withdrawal is a sobering reminder that even the most storied careers must face their twilight. D.C. deserves a delegate who can fight with full vigor, not one hampered by health concerns or fading relevance. As this race reshapes, the District’s future hangs in the balance.