Candidate Profile: Eleanor Holmes Norton For DC's Delegate To Congress

WASHINGTON, DC — A third generation Washingtonian, Eleanor Holmes Norton has served as the District's delegate to the U.S. Congress for 31 years.

Norton is on the ballot for the June 21 Democratic Party Primary. She's running against two challengers — Rev. Wendy Hamilton and Kelly Mikel Williams. The winner will square off against Republican Nelson F. Rimensnyder in the Nov. 8 general election.

Patch has asked each of the candidates running in select races to fill out a questionnaire, sharing facts about themselves and why voters should choose them to represent their party in November.

Name

Eleanor Holmes Norton

Campaign website

https://www.eleanorfordc.com

DC Neighborhood

Ward 6

Office sought

Delegate to U.S. House of Representatives

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Antioch College, Law Degree and masters' from Yale University

Occupation

Delegate to US House of Representative - 31 years

Family

I am a third generation Washingtonian and the mother of one son John Holmes Norton and one daughter Katherine Felicia Norton

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None

Age

85 Years Old

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Appointed by President Jimmy Carter to chair the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running to continue my work in bring home benefits for the residents of the District of Columbia

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Statehood, DC residents pay more federal taxes per capita than any state and more total federal taxes than 21 states. I intend continue my efforts to get statehood for the residents of the District of Columbia.

What is your position on DC statehood?

My D.C. Statehood bill has passed twice in the House. D.C. Statehood now has 54% support nationwide, according to a recent poll. I will continue to work with local and national organizations to push for D.C. Statehood on all social platforms to show the nation the significant impact of the lack of statehood on D.C.

How would you address the problem of gun violence in the District?

Gun violence is the leading cause of death among children and teenagers. House Democrats have legislation ready to go, including universal background checks and raising the purchase age to 21, to stop gun violence and save lives in every community across the country. Republicans in Congress have been trying for years to repeal DC's gun violence prevention laws, including its ban on assault weapons and high -capacity magazines, but I have defeated each attempt.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My experience and seniority in Congress.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

N/A

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

The District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant Program (DCTAG), which helps D.C students attend any U.S public college or university.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have been ranked one the chamber's most effective law makers by the Center for Effective Lawmaking is testament to my smarts, skills and fortitude.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best of advice given to me was to continue to fight for the residents of District of Columbia.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I would like voters to know while statehood is my ultimate goal, there are other things that need to be accomplished.

Related:

Candidate Profile: Rev. Wendy Hamilton For DC's Delegate To Congress