Donna Brazil’s Advice to Eleanor Holmes Norton
On Monday, veteran Democratic strategist Donna Brazil urged Eleanor Holmes Norton, the district’s long-serving representative, to consider not running for reelection.
In an op-ed for the Washington Post, Brazil expressed that “D.C. has not been attacked by anything else in recent history, so we need a new champion to protect us.” She was Holmes Norton’s first campaign manager and once served as her chief of staff.
Brazil notes a decline in the energy among lawmakers, remarking, “She was not the dynamo she once was, when D.C. needs the kind of energetic expression she has provided for decades.”
Stating that it would benefit both Norton and the district, Brazil suggested it would be wise for her to complete her current term and retire rather than seek reelection next year.
Brazil highlighted that postponing such a decision could complicate things for potential new candidates hoping to enter the race.
While Norton’s office didn’t directly comment on Brazil’s statements, it reiterated her intention to run again earlier this month. Norton emphasized the importance of her seniority, asserting, “I’m not going to step aside.”
Additionally, Brazil shared her concerns about Norton with other Democratic representatives such as Jerry Nadler and Jan Schakowsky, suggesting they consider a similar path.
Brazil pointed out that all these lawmakers are younger than Norton, drawing a parallel to former President Joe Biden.
In recent discussions online, worries about Norton’s effectiveness have been echoed by other experts. One commentator stressed that “even if you can’t do your job, seniority is not valuable,” calling for a trustworthy challenger.
Pollster Adam Carlson mentioned the potential benefits of having a younger, more dynamic candidate representing D.C. on social media platforms, which he believes could greatly influence their position.
In her defense, Norton cited her active role during challenging times, particularly when President Trump sent in the National Guard to Washington. “I fought a strong fight on behalf of D.C.,” she stated.
Addressing concerns about her age, Norton claimed that those worries don’t detract from her extensive knowledge and experience.
