One of Capitol Hill’s longest-serving Democrats is facing new scrutiny after falling victim to an elaborate fraud scheme in her own apartment.
According to the Daily Mail, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the 88-year-old non-voting delegate for Washington, D.C., was conned out of nearly $4,400 by a group posing as HVAC workers—a bizarre scam that’s now drawing attention to both her vulnerabilities and her controversial bid to extend her three-decade-long political career.
Norton, who announced in September that she plans to run for re-election, allowed the individuals into her D.C. residence around 3:30 p.m. on a Thursday, believing the visit had been arranged by her staff.
Incident Raises Questions On Oversight And Capability
The fake technicians charged Norton’s credit card thousands of dollars for work that was never performed. The only thing they did efficiently was escape before the authorities arrived. Her house manager, Jacqueline Pelt, was initially off-site but noticed the suspicious activity on a security camera.
She alerted Norton and told her to make the group leave. Pelt, described in some reports as a caretaker with power of attorney, confronted the scammers upon arriving home and swiftly contacted police. But Norton's office disputes that narrative.
Conflicting Reports About Care Arrangements
“Congresswoman Norton doesn’t have a caretaker,” said her spokesperson. “A longtime employee and friend serves as the house manager, residing at a separate address.” So much for clarity in the chain of responsibility.
The congresswoman reportedly assumed the appointment was scheduled by staff and voluntarily gave out her credit card. Unfortunately, no such appointment existed. Both the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department are now involved, treating the incident as felony fraud and reviewing possible identity theft.
Mental Acuity, Seniority, And Stubborn Politics
The local police report notes Norton is in the early stages of dementia—a revelation that her team is challenging. They stopped short of confirming whether Pelt holds legal responsibilities beyond property management.
Concerns about Norton’s ability to serve aren’t new. According to witnesses, she appears increasingly frail and unsteady at public events, often relying on aides for physical support. When asked directly at a hearing whether she plans to retire, Norton responded tersely: “No.” That one-syllable answer says more than she likely intended.
Opposition Grows As Race Begins To Heat Up
The race to replace her is already taking shape. Former aide Robert White Jr. and D.C. Council Member Brooke Pinto are both eyeing a potential transition of power in the 2026 election cycle.
Meanwhile, key Democratic figures such as D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have withheld endorsements for Norton’s re-election effort. Donna Brazile, a former chief of staff for Norton, has gone public with her opposition: “As I’ve told her in person, retirement from Congress is the right next chapter for her—and for the District.”
Seniority Versus Service Effectiveness
Norton has insisted that her decades in office are an asset, declaring, “I say that my seniority is what is very important, and I am not going to step aside.” But seniority means little if situational awareness is slipping.
This latest con was actually the third reported scam attempt against her this year—two earlier incidents had been unsuccessful. Unfortunately, this one hit the mark. No belongings were physically stolen, but potential misuse of her driver's license number and credit card remains a serious concern.
Democratic Infighting And The Strain Of Power
Criticism is also resurfacing over her perceived failures during D.C.'s federal security crisis in 2020, with some allies claiming she's no longer the advocate the city needs in turbulent times. “D.C. is under attack as at no other time in recent history, and we need a new champion to defend us,” said Brazile, amplifying calls for generational change among the delegation. But Norton remains unmoved, insisting that longevity in office outweighs recent concerns about her mental sharpness and physical stamina.
