D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced she will not seek a fourth term, ending months of speculation about her political future. In an interview, Bowser said the decision was motivated by her family and her desire to pursue new opportunities while she still feels energetic and creative. She described stepping away from a job she loves as one of the hardest choices she has made but noted she is proud of what she has accomplished. In a video message, Bowser told residents it had been “the honor of my life” to serve as mayor and urged the city to “keep winning for DC” in her final year in office.
Throughout the past year, Bowser faced challenges balancing the concerns of D.C. residents with the policies of President Donald Trump, who once threatened to overturn the District’s Home Rule authority. Federal law enforcement deployments and tensions with the administration made that balancing act increasingly difficult. Bowser said recent Democratic wins across several states signal a more balanced political environment heading into the coming months.
Despite speculation about Trump acting against the District under a new mayor, Bowser said she believes she is leaving the city in the strongest possible position. Trump, for his part, told reporters he had worked well with her and considered D.C. a safe community.