88-Year-Old Congresswoman Seeking Re-Election in 2026, Refuses to Step Down

If you’ve been here for a while, then you know that although I am a progressive, I hold both parties’ feet to the fire. In this case, I do not care if you are a Democrat or a Republican; if you are old and of retirement age, then you NEED TO RETIRE.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) is now saying that she plans to continue her political career into her 90s, citing her seniority as a veteran congressperson as a “very important” asset.

VIA Politico

This is despite NBC News reports that she appeared to struggle walking unaided while attending her own press conference on Capitol Hill on Wednesday.

Axios has also quoted multiple colleagues of Holmes from back in June, who expressed their concern about her declining health, with one even stating that she is now simply “missing stuff” in hearings. However, she refutes this claim.

Holmes said in a statement:

“D.C. residents have embraced me as their ‘Warrior on the Hill,’ where I’ve been privileged to have a long and successful tenure defending D.C. residents.”

Respectfully, as much as her tenure is historic and well-deserved, I do not want a 90-year-old to be a “Warrior on the Hill.” Please, let the younger generation fight for the future of this country. Why do you even want to work at that age anyway?

The sad part is that Holmes isn’t even an anomaly. There are currently 24 members of Congress who are over 80 years old, comprising 15 Democrats and seven Republicans.

The oldest member of Congress is Chuck Grassley, who has served at the age of 91. Holmes is the second, and the third is representative Hal Rodgers at 87.

This isn't a partisan issue; it is a generational issue. The future of this country shouldn't be entrusted to people who won't have to deal with the long-term effects of their decisions. Public service is noble, but eventually, holding on to power has less to do with legacy and more to do with leadership.

Respectfully, it's time for a change of guard. We require new energy, new vision, and representatives who understand — and live — the realities of new generations. If you have devoted your life to public service, thank you. But genuine leadership also involves knowing when to yield.

Let the next generation lead.