D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser won’t seek reelection

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch
The Center Square

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser announced she will not be seeking reelection.

The Democratic mayor has served as the second female mayor of the nation’s capital for 10 years, navigating the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, Black Lives Matter riots and a crime emergency, resulting in a surge of federal law enforcement and National Guard deployment to cull crime.

Bowser, a D.C. native, wrote a letter to district residents Tuesday afternoon, highlighting some of her accomplishments during her tenure as mayor.

She cited several projects, including the redevelopment of the old St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and the construction of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, while taking a jab at President Donald Trump, who declared a state of emergency in August, with National Guard troops remaining on the streets.

“We also brought our city back from the ravages of a global pandemic and summoned our collective strength to stand tall against bullies who threatened our very autonomy, while preserving Home Rule. That is our north star,” Bowser wrote.

Despite her criticism of Trump, she and Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin were early supporters of the Trump administration’s return-to-office policy for government workers, which helped infuse the D.C. region with business and led to an increase in public transportation ridership.

Bowser, who was staunchly critical of the president’s declaration of a crime emergency, eventually softened on the idea after the district saw a drop in crime.

The mayor reiterated her support for growing the district’s economy and autonomy, including bringing the Commanders back to the city and establishing statehood.

“Now, looking to the future, I know we’ve laid the groundwork for others to build upon, to reshape and grow DC’s economy, establish DC as the 51st state, and protect our investments in affordable housing, transportation, public safety, and public schools. And to build a world class stadium, housing, recreation, and parks at RFK,” Bowser added.

Her term is set to end Jan. 2, 2027.