Trumps D.C. Takeover Sparks Controversy Over Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton's Future

As federal troops remain in D.C. and tensions rise over Washington's autonomy, calls grow for the city's 18-term House delegate to pass the torch to a new generation

Natalie C. Frank, Ph.D October 13, 2025

Eleanor Holmes Norton, D.C.'s only delegate, says she'll run again; Creator/YouTube Screenshot

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Federal troops still patrol parts of Washington, D.C., weeks after former President Donald Trump’s emergency order officially expired. The unusual intervention has reshaped the city’s political climate and reignited questions about whether Eleanor Holmes Norton, the district’s longtime House delegate, still has the energy and influence to defend the capital’s interests on Capitol Hill.

For decades Norton has been the face of Washington’s push for more autonomy. But as the 88-year-old Democrat begins her 18th term, more critics, including some former allies, are saying it might be time for her to step aside. They argue that Trump’s forceful federal response exposed a leadership gap at a moment when the city needs a visible, combative advocate.

“D.C. is under attack as at no other time in recent history, and we need a new champion to defend us,” former Norton chief of staff Donna Brazile wrote in a Washington Post column. While praising Norton’s historic work, Brazile added, “As I’ve told her in person, retirement from Congress is the right next chapter for her — and for the District.”

Norton has not publicly discussed her future. Her office didn’t answer multiple interview requests, and her campaign has given no sign she plans to step down. The veteran lawmaker — the oldest member of the House — has indicated she still plans to run for re-election.

Federal Control and a City in Turmoil Washington’s unique status as a federal district has long made self-governance complicated. The 1973 Home Rule Act gave residents limited autonomy — they can elect a mayor and city council — but Congress can review and overturn local laws and budgets. That fragile balance has been shaken in recent months.

Trump’s August emergency order cited rising crime to justify federalizing the city’s police and sending federal agents and National Guard troops. Even though the order expired in September, a significant federal presence remains, leaving many residents uneasy and raising fresh questions about D.C.’s right to self-determination.

Lawmakers from both parties have introduced new measures to tighten federal oversight of local governance, including proposals aimed at the district’s prosecutor’s office and criminal code. Local leaders and civil rights advocates see these moves as a rollback of decades of progress toward self-rule.

In this volatile climate, many in Washington are looking to their delegate — a nonvoting role that has traditionally been the city’s primary advocate in Congress. Critics say Norton’s voice has been largely missing.

“There are so many things that the delegate can do from that position, even if it’s just using the bully pulpit,” said Cliff Albright, co-founder of Black Voters Matter. “Even if it’s just giving folks encouragement or showing that fight that a lot of people want to see.”

Signs of Decline and a Leadership Void Lately Norton’s public appearances have become rare. When she does show up at hearings or events, observers say she often seems unsteady and leans heavily on prepared notes. At a recent committee hearing about limiting the city’s authority to prosecute certain crimes, she struggled with her remarks — a moment that highlighted growing unease about her ability to handle the mounting political challenges facing the district.

During the height of Trump’s security order, Norton kept a low profile while other city officials — like Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb — took more visible stances. Bowser negotiated with federal officials over access and jurisdiction, and Schwalb filed suit against the Trump administration in the city’s most forceful act of resistance.

Political analysts say Norton’s relative absence left others to fill the gap. “The delegate really has to be a one-person whip operation to try and hold the caucus in line against this Republican onslaught,” said George Derek Musgrove, a historian at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. “Without that coordination, D.C. has been fighting on multiple fronts without a central figure to unite the effort.”

A Race Already Taking Shape Questions about Norton’s future are already reshaping D.C. politics. Two city council members — Robert White Jr., a former Norton aide, and Brooke Pinto — have announced plans to run in 2026, setting the stage for one of the most consequential contests the district has seen in years.

White, who credits Norton with launching his political career, says the district needs “new energy” and a “louder voice” in Congress. Pinto has made similar points, stressing generational change while avoiding direct criticism of the incumbent.

When asked recently if she plans to retire, Norton gave a firm “no” as she left a House hearing. Still, even close allies acknowledge the pressure is mounting. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Mayor Bowser have both declined to publicly endorse her for another term.

Legacy of a Trailblazer Norton’s place in history is secure. A civil rights veteran, she worked with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee while at Yale Law School. In 1963, civil rights leader Medgar Evers picked her up at the airport in Mississippi — hours before he was assassinated. She helped organize the March on Washington that year.

She later became the first woman to chair the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, strengthening workplace anti-discrimination enforcement before running for Congress in 1990. Over three decades in office, Norton has pushed for D.C. statehood, helped steer the city through financial crises, and won major investments in infrastructure and education.

“She saved the city,” said Tom Davis, a former Republican congressman from Virginia and longtime ally. “She was a great partner,” he added, pointing to her role in the 1997 legislation that helped prevent D.C. from bankruptcy.

Davis, who worked with Norton across party lines, said calls for new leadership are understandable but that her record deserves respect. “She’s still very well respected. She’s got a lot of seniority,” he said. “I think she’s earned the right to go out on her terms. But that’s gonna be up to the voters.”

The Road Ahead As Washington deals with a continuing federal presence, a strained local budget, and eroding home rule, its representation in Congress matters more than ever. Norton’s supporters point to her experience and deep relationships, while critics say the district needs a more forceful advocate for this new reality.

The next election will decide not only who represents D.C. on Capitol Hill but what kind of leadership the city wants at a time of renewed federal intervention. Whether Eleanor Holmes Norton remains that leader or passes the baton may shape Washington’s political identity for years to come.

Says she will run again