Bowser ends decade-long reign as DC mayor after 3 terms in office, won’t seek fourth
In a significant announcement that marks the end of an era for Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser declared on Tuesday that she will not seek re-election for a fourth term, concluding a decade of leadership in the nation’s capital. Bowser, a Democrat who previously served on the D.C. Council, shared her decision through a heartfelt video on social media, reflecting on her administration’s achievements and the collaborative efforts with residents to enhance the city. “For 10 years, you and I have worked together on an ambitious agenda to restore faith in our government,” she stated, highlighting key accomplishments such as raising school enrollment and graduation rates, investing heavily in affordable housing, and completing major infrastructure projects like the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge.
Throughout her tenure, Bowser has faced various challenges, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and public safety concerns. She noted that her administration successfully brought the city back from the pandemic’s effects and praised the collaborative efforts with federal law enforcement to combat crime. Bowser acknowledged that while there has been progress, particularly with a decrease in gun crimes and carjackings, there remains a significant “break in trust” between the community and police, a sentiment she has been vocal about during her time in office. As she prepares to step down, Bowser emphasized the importance of continuing the work to reshape D.C.’s economy and advocate for statehood, urging her supporters to finish strong in the upcoming year.
Looking ahead, the D.C. mayoral election is set for November 3, 2026, and potential candidates are already emerging, including D.C. Council members Kenyan McDuffie and Janeese Lewis George. Bowser’s decision not to run again opens the door for new leadership in the city, which has been shaped by her policies and vision over the past decade. As she reflects on her legacy, Bowser remains committed to ensuring that the groundwork she laid for D.C. continues to flourish, particularly in areas such as affordable housing, public safety, and education. Her departure from the race signifies a pivotal moment for the city as it prepares for a new chapter in its political landscape.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on Tuesday she will
not seek re-election
for a fourth term, ending her decade-long reign in the nation’s capital.
The Democrat, who previously represented the 4th ward as a member of the D.C. Council, shared the news in a video posted to social media.
“My fellow Washingtonians, for 10 years, you and I have worked together on an ambitious agenda to restore faith in our government and ensure that every
D.C. resident
gets the fair shot they deserve,” Bowser said. “To keep that promise, we took big swings, keeping D.C. teams in D.C., raising enrollment and graduation rates in our schools, and investing more money in housing than any other city or state, creating 36,000 homes.”
She added her administration drove unemployment to its lowest levels, achieved strong reserves and completed the largest infrastructure project in city history with the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge.
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“We also brought our city back from the ravages of a global pandemic, and summoned our collective strength to stand tall against bullies who threaten our very autonomy, while preserving home rule. That is our North Star,” Bowser said. “… Looking to the future, I know we’ve laid the groundwork for others to build upon, to reshape and grow D.C.’s economy, establish D.C. as the 51st state, and protect our investments in affordable housing, transportation, public safety and public schools.
“… When you placed your trust in me 10 years ago, you gave me an extraordinary opportunity to have a positive impact on my hometown. Every day since, I’ve cherished the opportunity and have happily given all my passion and energy to the job that I love. Together, you and I have built a legacy of success, of which I’m intensely proud, and for the next 12 months, let’s run through the tape and keep winning for D.C.”
The announcement came months after Bowser pushed back on President
Donald Trump
‘s
plans to deploy National Guard troops to restore public safety in the capital.
‘RESISTANCE’ LEFT BLASTED BY WASHINGTON POST AS MAYOR BOWSER BACKS TRUMP’S DC CRIME PLAN
In August, she admitted the
success of the federal crime crackdown
, noting she appreciated the surge of officers that “enhance what [the Metropolitan Police Department] has been able to do in this city.”
“Having more federal
law enforcement
officers on the street — [has led to] having more stops that got to illegal guns,” Bowser said during a prior news conference. “We think that there is more accountability in the system, or at least perceived accountability in the system, that is driving down illegal behavior. We know that we have had fewer gun crimes, fewer homicides, and we have experienced an extreme reduction in carjackings.”
However, she noted there was a “break in trust” between the community and police, criticizing the use of
masked ICE agents
in neighborhoods.
The next D.C. mayoral election will be held Nov. 3, 2026.
Axios reported last month
D.C. Council members
Kenyan McDuffie and Janeese Lewis George have been floating potential mayoral runs.
Fox News Digital’s Alexander Hall contributed to this report.
