Former Democratic National Committee chair Donna Brazile penned a tender plea in The Washington Post to Washington, D.C.'s congressional delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton, to abstain from seeking re-election and clear the way for a new generation of representation for the district in a turbulent time.
Brazile, who previously served as Norton's campaign manager and describes herself as a "dear friend" who sees Norton as a "role model," released her article amid reporting that the 88-year-old delegate, now the oldest member in Congress, has grown too tired to do the duties of her office.
"I’ve known my dear friend Eleanor for 44 years, since I came to Washington after graduating from college and worked with her and other civil rights leaders to win enactment of a federal holiday honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr," she wrote, noting that even though she has no vote on the full floor of Congress, she has achieved numerous policy wins for D.C. including scholarships, homeowner tax credits, and a long list of civil rights victories. Nonetheless, "She is no longer the dynamo she once was ... It’s in her best interest, and the interest of D.C., for her to serve her current term but then end her extraordinary service in Congress and not seek reelection next year."
The fact is, Brazile continued, this is a critical moment when D.C. needs clear-headed, energetic leadership to fight against Trump's attempts to bend the city to submission.
"D.C. is under attack as at no other time in recent history, and we need a new champion to defend us. President Donald Trump is treating the District like a colonial possession he can rule as a dictator, rather than a city governed by leaders who are elected by voters," wrote Brazile. "Trump has sent National Guard members and federal law enforcement officers into D.C. to round up undocumented immigrants — many of whom have jobs and are valued residents of our community ... Washington is a city under occupation."
This year has seen a large number of elder statesmen in both parties, from Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) to Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), announce their retirement, said Brazile — all of whom are younger than Norton. Even former President Joe Biden is younger.
"Norton should follow the example of other older elected officials who have retired after many years of service," she concluded. "After doing so much for D.C. for so long, it’s understandable that she wants to remain in Congress. Public service is her life. But no job can last forever, and no person is irreplaceable. As I’ve told her in person, retirement from Congress is the right next chapter for her — and for the District."
