Pinto announced she is running for D.C.’s non-voting congressional seat Monday.
WASHINGTON — Another member of the D.C. Council is challenging Eleanor Holmes Norton for congressional delegate. Brooke Pinto, Ward 2 councilmember, launched her campaign Monday against the 88-year-old incumbent of 34 years.
Pinto is joining what could shape up to be a highly competitive race. Norton was also challenged last month by At-Large Councilmember Robert White. They’re all running for D.C.’s non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.
“I’m running for Congress to represent D.C. on Capitol Hill — to fight for our self governance, for a fair economy, for public safety, and for our families,” Pinto said in statement announcing her candidacy.
As Ward 2 councilmember, Pinto has advocated for and passed legislation supporting public safety, affordable housing, local small businesses and public charter schools. She said she plans to work to continue supporting D.C. residents if elected to Congress.
Pinto became the first woman to represent Ward 2 in D.C. when she won a special election following Jack Evans’ resignation amid ethical concerns. A graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and Georgetown Law School, Pinto previously served in the Office of the Attorney General as a tax attorney, where she represented the Office of Tax and Revenue.
Pinto also thanked Norton for her time representing D.C.
“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton has been an unparalleled champion for DC for decades and I want to build on her incredible legacy for which we are all grateful,” Pinto said in the statement.
Norton is facing calls to step out of the race and let a new generation in, even from those close to her, like her former chief of staff and campaign manager Donna Brazile. Brazile, who also formerly led the DNC, wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post urging Norton to end the campaign for her 18th term.