Eleanor Holmes Norton, the 88-year-old non-voting delegate representing Washington, D.C. in Congress, has come under fire following a recent investigation that uncovered her claims to seven board positions where she has shown little to no involvement.
The report, published by journalists Luke Goldstein and Dan Boguslaw, details how Norton’s latest financial disclosure lists roles on boards at institutions like Yale Law School, Antioch College, and the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, among others. Several of these organizations confirmed her absence for years, with some boards having dissolved long ago.
The American University’s Women and Politics Institute stated, “The Women & Politics Institute no longer has an advisory board.” Similarly, the Sewall-Belmont House transferred to the National Park Service in 2016, leaving no trace of an advisory board or Norton’s participation. Georgetown’s Women’s Law & Public Policy Fellowship Program noted her founding role but said she hasn’t hosted events for fellows since 2019. Three other groups reported no recent contact with her at all.
This revelation arrives amid broader concerns about Norton’s fitness for office. Just weeks earlier, she fell victim to a scam at her home where individuals posing as HVAC cleaners charged her credit card over $4,000 for nonexistent services. A D.C. police report from the incident described her as exhibiting “early stages of dementia,” though her staff has pushed back against that characterization, calling it inaccurate. Norton has a caretaker with power of attorney, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Norton’s tenure, spanning over three decades since 1991, has drawn criticism for what some see as minimal engagement, especially during crises like the Trump administration’s handling of protests in the city. She issued a statement condemning federal troop deployments but remained largely out of the spotlight otherwise. Congressional sources have noted her frequent absences from committee meetings and planning sessions, raising questions about effective advocacy for D.C. residents who already lack full voting representation in Congress.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Norton, who has signaled interest in seeking a 19th term in 2026 despite turning 89 next year. Her campaign coffers sit nearly empty, with recent filings showing limited funds to mount a defense. Democratic leaders have stayed quiet, offering no public support or intervention. Meanwhile, primary challengers have emerged, including D.C. Council members Robert White and Brooke Pinto, both of whom announced their bids in recent months. White, a former Norton aide, cited the need for stronger leadership on issues like crime and public safety.
Critics argue this pattern points to a deeper issue in D.C. politics, where entrenched figures hold onto power even as their capacity diminishes, leaving constituents underserved. Calls for Norton to step aside have grown louder, with editorials and local voices urging retirement to make way for fresh energy. As the 2026 election approaches, the delegate’s office maintains she remains undecided on running, but the mounting evidence suggests a shift may be inevitable.
