Mayor Bowser Will Not Seek Reelection
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on Tuesday that she will not run for a fourth term, marking the end of her 10-year tenure in the capital.
The Democrat, who previously served on the D.C. Council representing the 4th District, shared this decision in a video on social media.
“For 10 years, my fellow Washingtonians, you and I have worked together on an ambitious plan to restore trust in our government and ensure that all D.C. residents receive the rights they deserve,” she stated. “To uphold that promise, we made significant moves, retaining our D.C. team locally, improving school enrollment and graduation rates, and investing heavily in housing—constructing 36,000 new homes.”
Bowser noted that her administration has decreased unemployment, strengthened financial reserves, and completed the largest infrastructure project in the city’s history, the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge.
“We also took our city back from the challenges of a global pandemic, maintaining domestic rules while standing strong against threats to our autonomy—that has been our guiding principle,” she explained. “As I consider the future, I see that we have built a foundation for others to expand on, to grow D.C.’s economy, advocate for D.C. as the 51st state, and safeguard investments in affordable housing, transportation, public safety, and public schools.”
Reflecting on her tenure, she mentioned, “Ten years ago, you entrusted me with an incredible opportunity to positively impact my hometown. I’ve dedicated myself wholeheartedly to this role. Together, we’ve created a legacy I’m truly proud of. Let’s keep pushing forward over the next year.”
This announcement comes shortly after Bowser confronted President Donald Trump’s proposal to deploy the National Guard to improve security in D.C.
In August, she recognized the successes of recent federal crime initiatives and praised an increase in the police presence, saying they’re effectively addressing crime. “Bringing in more federal law enforcement officers has led to a more rigorous crackdown on illegal guns,” Bowser commented at a recent press conference, adding that there’s less gun crime and a notable drop in carjackings.
While Bowser has spoken positively about certain law enforcement measures, she has also taken issue with the presence of undercover ICE agents in neighborhoods, citing a “breakdown of trust” between communities and the police.
The next mayoral election in D.C. is set for November 3, 2026. Recent reports mentioned D.C. City Council members Kenya McDuffie and Janice Lewis George as potential candidates for the mayoral race.
