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RandySF

(76,964 posts) Fri Sep 5, 2025, 05:38 AM Friday

DC-AL: 88-Year-Old House Democrat Says She's Running Again: 'I Am Not Going To Step Aside' [View all]

Eighty-eight-year-old Democrat Eleanor Holmes Norton announced on Thursday that she would be seeking re-election in 2026 as a delegate to Congress from Washington, D.C. ,despite her advanced age.

Asked by Axios whether she would be seeking re-election despite growing concerns about her age, Norton – the oldest person in Congress – said, “Of course.”

“I say that my seniority is what is very important, and I am not going to step aside,” the non-voting member declared.

Eighty-year-old Rep. David Scott (D-GA) and 77-year-old Rep. John Larson (D-CT) also told Axios they were planning to run for re-election, despite concerns over their health.

https://www.mediaite.com/politics/88-year-old-house-democrat-says-shes-running-again-i-am-not-going-to-step-aside/

66 replies

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DC-AL: 88-Year-Old House Democrat Says She's Running Again: 'I Am Not Going To Step Aside' [View all] RandySF Friday OP

What is this mania for never leaving office? enough Friday #1

It's a problem for us aging folks. We do not see objectively how we are losing ability every day. I have to be ... marble falls Friday #5

I get that there is the lure of power, and the job's effort is a little fungible EdmondDantes_ Friday #9

My wife snickers everytime I look for a job. Ain't no way I can work like that anymore, but being home brings ... marble falls Friday #39

I would definitely say it's not useless EdmondDantes_ Friday #42

I honestly don't care about money itself, I only use it to tally my points. marble falls Friday #45

My Hobbies Remind Me ProfessorGAC Friday #30

My big one was when I realized what I would estimate for a job was no longer accurate. By a mile. That after ... marble falls Friday #34

Arrogance Blue Full Moon Friday #43

some people cannot give up power Skittles Saturday #62

Gawd forbid Dems allow in any young superstars Arazi Friday #2

The party apparatus has not always been the old guard Bluetus Saturday #54

Great points. The Democratic Party is at historically low approval levels Arazi Saturday #65

That's just ridiculous. Hope they're primaried. Scrivener7 Friday #3

Absolutely, they need to be primaried. and it's nothing personal. marble falls Friday #4

No. Nothing personal. And a lesson we seem to need to learn over and over and over. Scrivener7 Friday #6

Maxine Waters is only a year younger. Congresswoman Norton is also black. LeftInTX Friday #7

Norton isn't from a red state EdmondDantes_ Friday #10

So we're bashing a non-voting rep just because LeftInTX Friday #11

There's old and there's OLD. maxsolomon Friday #13

It is not based simply on her age. It is more like a Feinstein situation. Celerity Friday #16

She's not a voting member! LeftInTX Friday #28

I never said she was a full voting member, but she can introduce/sponsor legislation and before the Rethugs took it away Celerity Friday #35

Gosh, thanks for giving us your opinion about primaries. Scrivener7 Friday #18

She"s not even a voting member. LeftInTX Friday #23

Change based on what? Just her age? If she is performing her job and liked by her constituents, then what is the issue? PeaceWave Friday #24

For those who ask why replace her? awesomerwb1 Friday #48

Correct. RandySF Friday #31

Oh ffs, this isn't racist. It's about getting younger Dems inside the legislature Arazi Friday #20

YES.... democratsruletheday Friday #8

Asking that an 88 year old make room for a younger representative is certainly not bashing. Or ageism. Or anything Nanjeanne Friday #12

She is a NON-VOTING member. maxsolomon Friday #14

11 members of Congress over 80 spun into an evil centrist establishment crypt keeper majority status quo betsuni Friday #15

A whole lotta mean spirited ageism going on here... PeaceWave Friday #17

Said no one here ever. But thanks for the amusing straw man. Scrivener7 Friday #19

The straw man actually arises from conflating age with mental incapacity to perform the job. PeaceWave Friday #21

Neither David Hogg's Leaders We Deserve nor Bernie Sander's Run For Something Quiet Em Friday #22

Ageism isn't becoming at all. n/t valleyrogue Friday #32

Schumer wants 79 yr old Janet Mills to be the ME Senate candidate Arazi Friday #25

You don't think older folks can fight the legislative fight? Based on what are you saying this? PeaceWave Friday #26

We NEED to raise up the next generation Arazi Friday #38

You don't think younger people have Bettie Saturday #66

This thing about never leaving office is not honorable. It's selfish and counterproductive. themaguffin Friday #27

The opposite is likely true, with more legislation being written and passed by more experienced representatives. PeaceWave Friday #29

I didn't say anything about experienced members. I am referring specifically to situations like this. themaguffin Friday #33

Situations like what? Nobody has offered a legitimate reason why this representative can't perform her job. PeaceWave Friday #37

Seriously? Really? Just say that you think that it's fine that 80 somethings are in office, but act like it's themaguffin Friday #40

It is absolutely fine that 80 somethings are in office or doing any other kind of work for that matter... PeaceWave Friday #41

Concern is legitimate. We've seen issues. We know. My parents are in their 80s. I see the limitations. Come on. themaguffin Friday #44

lol, anyone even whispering that an incumbent Dem get primaried gets crucified here Arazi Friday #46

* unless they are a Squad member. nt RandiFan1290 Saturday #50

She's non-voting, so it doesn't matter much Renew Deal Friday #36

For some it's all about the ego. Autumn Friday #47

As a House member from the District of Columbia, she cannot vote on House measures. MineralMan Friday #49

Didn't an elderly (83 year old) senator with a history of heart problems just file to run again in 2030? lapucelle Saturday #51

He's 84 in two days. Time to pass the torch to someone younger. Nixie Saturday #57

Age is only bad if it's establishment, silly. betsuni Saturday #58

I couldn't wait to retire. I don't understand the desire to keep working. IcyPeas Saturday #52

EHN Has Done A Good Job Deep State Witch Saturday #53

Bernie Sanders is 84. This is all just an excuse. Nixie Saturday #55

Another way to accuse Democrats of corruption, evil conspiracy plots, stopping at nothing to thwart progress . betsuni Saturday #59

Yes, it's all so scripted. No reality is necessary. Just say Nixie Saturday #60

Time to pass the torch down to someone younger. Emile Saturday #56

It is the younger people who are inheriting this mess. IMHO, they should be in the cornball 24 Saturday #61

She is washed up and needs to retire Justice Brandeis Saturday #63

Again, article says 11 Democrats in Congress over 80. Bashing Rule: 1 to a dozen Democrats means the whole party. betsuni Saturday #64