The Guardian • 1/25/2026 – 1/27/2026

Eleanor Holmes Norton, the 88-year-old Democratic delegate representing Washington, D.C., has announced her decision to retire and will not run for re-election at the end of her current term. In her statement shared on social media, she expressed pride in her advocacy for D.C. statehood and highlighted the ongoing struggle for equal rights for the district's residents, who number around 700,000. Norton's retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in D.C. politics, where she has served for over three decades. Her departure underscores the persistent issue of representation for D.C. residents, who lack voting rights in Congress despite being taxpayers. This situation reflects a broader historical struggle for civil rights and representation in the United States, particularly for marginalized groups. Norton's advocacy has brought attention to the unique challenges faced by D.C. residents, and her retirement raises questions about the future of this movement. As discussions around statehood and representation continue, her legacy will likely influence the next generation of leaders and activists fighting for equality and rights in the nation's capital.
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