Washington's Eleanor Holmes Norton, Oldest Member in US House, to Retire at 88

The pioneering civil rights lawyer and D.C. delegate is stepping down after over 30 years in Congress.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 12:31pm

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Eleanor Holmes Norton, the 88-year-old delegate representing Washington, D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives, announced she will retire next year. Norton, a pioneering civil rights lawyer, has served in Congress for over three decades as a steadfast champion for D.C. home rule and fighting against federal intervention in the city's affairs.

Why it matters

Norton's retirement marks the end of an era for D.C. representation in Congress. As the oldest member of the House, her departure will open the door for a new generation of leaders to take up the fight for D.C. statehood and autonomy. Her exit also comes as control of Congress hangs in the balance, with the winner of the June primary election for her seat heavily favored to win the November midterms.

The details

Norton, a Democrat, has clashed with Republicans over the years who sought to impose restrictions on D.C. policies, including former President Donald Trump's push to federalize law enforcement in the city. A dozen or so Democrats have already launched campaigns to succeed Norton, seeking to oust her in the primary if she didn't choose to retire on her own.

  • Eleanor Holmes Norton announced her retirement on January 27, 2026.
  • The June 16, 2026 primary election will determine Norton's successor.

The players

Eleanor Holmes Norton

An 88-year-old pioneering civil rights lawyer who has served as Washington, D.C.'s delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives for over 30 years.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who sought to federalize law enforcement in Washington, D.C. during his term, drawing opposition from Norton.

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What they’re saying

“The privilege of public service is inseparable from the responsibility to recognize when it's time to lift up the next generation of leaders. For D.C., that time has come.”

— Eleanor Holmes Norton, Outgoing Delegate, U.S. House of Representatives

What’s next

The winner of the June 16, 2026 primary election will be heavily favored to represent the overwhelmingly Democratic district in the November midterm elections, when control of Congress will be at stake.

The takeaway

Eleanor Holmes Norton's retirement marks the end of an era for D.C. representation in Congress, as a new generation of leaders prepares to take up the fight for the city's statehood and autonomy. Her departure also comes at a pivotal moment for control of the House of Representatives, with the primary election for her seat poised to be a key battleground.