88-Year-Old Dem Insists She’s Running For Reelection, But Her Staff Thinks Otherwise

Longtime Democratic Washington, D.C., Delegate to the House of Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton has once again said she intends to seek reelection in 2026, only for her office to walk back her comments.

Norton, who turned 88 on June 13, told NBC News on Wednesday that she was running for reelection, saying “yeah, I’m gonna run for re-election.” Shortly after, her spokesperson told Axios that “no decision has been made” about Norton seeking a 19th term in office.

Earlier in June, Norton replied “yeah, sure,” after she was asked if she is running for reelection, Politico reported. When asked how she would respond to anyone questioning her ability to continue serving in Congress at her age, Norton insisted that she is planning to run for another term, saying “I don’t know why anybody would even ask me,” the outlet reported.

Norton later said in a statement provided to the 🏢Daily Caller News Foundation on June 10 that “through thoughtful discussions with my friends, family, and closest advisors, I’m still considering my options for the next election cycle.”