Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser will not seek fourth term in 2026

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser will not seek fourth term in 2026

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on Tuesday she will not run for a fourth term in next year's election, marking the end of a decade-long tenure that included clashes with former President Donald Trump and oversight of the city through multiple crises.

In a video address, Bowser, a Democrat who has led the capital since 2015, framed her decision as a transition to new leadership while emphasizing her administration's achievements. "It has been the honor of my life to be your mayor," she said. "But today, with a grateful heart, I am announcing that I will not seek a fourth term."

Legacy of a decade in office

Bowser highlighted key accomplishments during her three terms, including expansions in affordable housing, guiding the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, and securing infrastructure investments for underserved neighborhoods. Her tenure also saw high-profile tensions with the federal government, particularly during Trump's presidency.

Among the most notable conflicts was her 2020 approval of a Black Lives Matter mural on a street leading to the White House-a move that drew sharp criticism from Trump. The mural was later removed after Republican lawmakers threatened to block federal funding for DC's roads, underscoring the city's limited autonomy as a federal district.

Clashes with Trump administration

Bowser's relationship with Trump was contentious, particularly over public safety and federal intervention. After the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, Trump accused Bowser and then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of rejecting an offer to deploy National Guard troops-a claim Bowser denied, stating no such offer was made. Last week, a federal judge ruled Trump's deployment of Guard troops in DC was unlawful.

More recently, Bowser faced criticism for not pushing back harder against Trump's surge of federal agents into the city, though she acknowledged their assistance in addressing crime while expressing discomfort with the visible military presence on DC streets.

DC's push for statehood and political constraints

Like many of her predecessors, Bowser has been a vocal advocate for Washington DC to become the 51st U.S. state, a change that would grant the district full congressional representation and greater control over its budget and laws. Currently, DC's local governance remains subject to federal oversight, with Congress and the president holding veto power over its legislation.

The district's lack of statehood has left it vulnerable to political pressure, as seen in the removal of the Black Lives Matter mural and ongoing budget disputes. With Republicans now controlling both chambers of Congress and the White House, Bowser's successor will inherit these challenges.

Race to replace Bowser begins

Bowser's exit is expected to trigger a competitive Democratic primary in the heavily blue city. At least four candidates have already filed paperwork to run in the November 2026 election, and local media report that two city council members are likely to join the race.

In her announcement, Bowser urged residents to "run through the tape" with her over the next 12 months, signaling a focus on completing her final term's priorities. "Let's keep winning for DC," she said.

"Supplies have stabilized, but conservation remains essential."

Mayor Muriel Bowser, video announcement, November 2025