(CNN) – A former top aide to longtime DC Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton revealed on Wednesday his intention to run for her non-voting seat in Congress.
Trent Holbrook, who served as senior legislative counsel, plans to challenge Norton as the 88-year-old Democrat has faced increasing scrutiny regarding her age and ability to serve.
“I don’t see myself as running against Congresswoman Norton,” Holbrook told CNN in an interview Wednesday. “I just don’t think that she is going to run again, at least not an effective way.”
Having left Norton’s office after over eight years this past Monday, Holbrook believes he is well-suited for the position due in part to his experience working with Norton.
“As the District of Columbia looks toward a new era in the fight for D. C. statehood and safeguarding home rule, I feel that I am best positioned to take on this incredibly important role. I have already been the leader in Congress at the staff-level for eight years on these critical issues, and I have a strong, historic record of success to run on,” Holbrook stated in a news release earlier Wednesday.
CNN is reaching out to Norton’s office for comment. Holbrook filed official paperwork with the Federal Election Commission launching a fundraising committee on Monday.
The Washington Post first reported on his campaign announcement Tuesday.
Holbrook’s journey with Norton began during his time at Georgetown Law School when he took a yearlong class taught by her. After joining her office in 2017, he progressed from legislative assistant to senior legislative counsel.
“Congresswoman Norton is one of the greatest lawmakers in American history. She has trained me for this position unlike anybody else. I am grateful for the opportunities she afforded me. Because of them, I am ready to lead,” Holbrook expressed in the release.
Holbrook mentioned that he had a productive conversation with Norton about his plans before the holiday season and conveyed enthusiasm about his campaign goals if elected, including significant policy proposals regarding DC statehood, federal employee protections, and DC home rule.
Norton, who was born in Washington D. C., has centered civil rights work throughout her career. Before serving 18 terms in Congress, she was appointed by President Jimmy Carter in 1977 as the first woman chairing the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Although she can’t vote as a delegate, her dedication to D. C. statehood and equal rights has been evident during her nearly three decades on Capitol Hill.
Lately, concerns surrounding Norton’s age and less frequent public appearances have raised questions about whether she should continue serving. As the oldest sitting House member, she belongs to a growing group of politicians whose ages have sparked discussions around term limits within Congress.
Last September, former Democratic National Committee chair and Norton’s ex-chief of staff Donna Brazile wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post advising her close friend against seeking reelection while stating that Norton 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,” Brazile penned.
Holbrook clarified that his decision isn’t based solely on age.
“It’s not really about age; however many people here are considering it-and rather than focusing on that aspect, I’m concentrating on my record. I’ve worked for her for so long,” Holbrook noted.
The D. C. delegate position comes with distinct challenges tied closely to its representation of such a unique city. With President Donald Trump’s vision influencing public institutions and increasing federal law enforcement presence within D. C., there remain ongoing debates concerning balancing autonomy versus federal oversight within our nation’s capital. Even without voting privileges, one singular voice representing D. C.’s interests can be amplified through congressional committees and floor debates.
The race for D. C.’s congressional seat has expanded significantly; over a dozen candidates are now vying for the office held by Norton since 1991-including notable district figures like Jacque Patterson from DC State Board of Education President role; Kinney Zalesne from Democratic National Committee; along with DC Councilmembers Brooke Pinto and Robert C. White Jr.
This story has been updated.
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