By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
The 2026 Washington, D.C. election for the nonvoting House delegate seat is drawing a wide field of candidates as debates intensify over the city’s future political representation. Incumbent Eleanor Holmes Norton, 88, who has held the seat since 1991, intends to run for re-election next year but faces a crowded race and calls to step aside.
With presidential actions and stated intentions to take over local power in D.C., the stakes for the seat are higher than ever, with many viewing the race as an opportunity to reshape how the District is represented in Congress.
Among the candidates who have declared their intention to run are D.C. Councilman Robert White (D-At-Large); D.C. Councilwoman Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2); Kinney Zalesne, a Democratic strategist; and Jacque Patterson, president of the D.C. State Board of Education. The primary is scheduled for June 16, 2026, followed by the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.
Norton declined to offer comment on her campaign to the AFRO.
Pinto said her decision to run was driven by concerns over federal overreach and leadership during a critical moment for the city.
“Watching the president’s attacks on D.C., I knew our city was at a turning point,” said Pinto. “I know our city needs leadership that can tackle the challenges we’re facing today and effectively fight back on behalf of our residents, and that’s why I’m running for Congress.”
Pinto has served D.C. residents in several roles, including as an assistant D.C. attorney general, where she fought for Home Rule and D.C.’s sovereignty. During more than five years on the City Council, she has worked on legislation aimed at public safety, economic opportunity and education.
“I think this moment requires every one of us to think about how we’re fighting for the community we love, and how best to fight back against the massive federal overreach that threatens many of our basic freedoms,” said Pinto. “I think it’s critically important that the next congressperson from D.C. understand how we can use the tools of the federal government to deliver new opportunities for D.C., including transferring some national park land to local control, tackling rising costs [and] building more affordable housing.”
White said changes in the federal government and growing pressure on the District compelled him to enter the race.
“I was compelled to fight to protect my hometown and D.C.’s local government before it was too late,” said White. “I’m stepping up because our city deserves leaders who love this place enough to fight for it.”
A fifth-generation Washingtonian, White emphasized his personal connection to the city and his understanding of residents’ struggles.
“I know what it’s like to grow up in a single parent household struggling to keep a roof over our head, I know what it’s like to be counted out and I know what it’s like to overcome adversity and tough times to fight for my chance to thrive,” said White. “That’s the story of so many of us who grew up here and the story of our city. We’ve been down and counted out. We have fought and built back and turned challenges into pride.”
White also highlighted his experience working in Congress, including five years as Norton’s legislative counsel. He has served nine years in elected office.
“She taught me the power of the delegate seat even though we in D.C. don’t have a full vote,” said White. “Now, as an at-large councilmember, I appreciate both the concerns and hopes of D.C. residents across all eight wards.”
White said his priorities include expanding education opportunities, building on universal prekindergarten, addressing the lack of safe, healthy and affordable housing, and advancing statehood.
Kinney said her decision to run was shaped by her experience watching how federal decisions affect the District.
“I’ve seen how power actually moves in Washington, and how decisions made without D.C. at the table affect our economy, our schools, our hospitals, and our basic rights,” said Kinney. “This felt like the right moment to step up to run because the threats facing D.C. are immediate and complex.”
She pointed to her experience working at both the local and federal levels.
“I know how power moves in Washington, and I’m not afraid to push back when Congress tries to override our laws, interfere with our budget, or treat D.C. as an afterthought,” said Kinney. “I know how to build relationships, and I know how to pick a fight when it matters.”
When asked about supporting Black Washingtonians, Pinto referenced her work on the Robert F. Kennedy Stadium deal, which secured 6,000 affordable homes and reserved 15 percent of jobs for ex-offender citizens.
Kinney said she would prioritize protecting the District’s budget to ensure funding for schools, affordable housing, job training and neighborhood safety is not blocked.
“That means pushing back on federal interference and making sure Black families can stay, work, and build a future in the city,” said Kinney. “Black residents are the backbone of this city, and the disparities they face are not accidental, they’re the result of decades of policy choices made without D.C. having full power.”
Patterson said he is running to bring generational change, fight for budget autonomy and statehood, and ensure vulnerable communities are not left behind.
“At the age of 88, I think it’s that time where we give those warriors their flowers and we say we’re ready to take that baton on because … it’s time to be able to address some of the newer issues that are popping up in this generation,” said Patterson.
If elected, Patterson said he hopes to secure budget autonomy so local D.C. dollars cannot be held “hostage” by Congress, advocate for statehood and continue grassroots engagement across the city.