DC Mayor Bowser, whose city is at center of Dems' power struggle with Trump, not seeking reelection

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, whose city has been at the heart of Democrats' power struggle with President Trump, announced Tuesday that she will not seek a fourth term.

Bowser, having been first elected in 2015, has served through two Trump administrations. 

This year has been particularly challenging for her, considering Trump, in response to what he considered too much violent crime and the need to deport illegal migrants, exerted federal control over the district by federalizing the National Guard in August and taking over the Metropolitan Police Department by declaring a crime emergency. 

The district's "Home Rule Act" allows the president to take over the police department for federal purposes during emergencies.

The president has made similar moves with the National Guard and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in such Democrat-controlled cities as Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon. 

Bowser, during her roughly 10 years as mayor, has also led the district through several other tumultuous periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, and the January 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill.

“It has been the honor of my life to be your mayor,” Bowser said in a post on X. “Throughout this remarkable journey, I’ve been honored to serve with countless dedicated city executives and extraordinary frontline workers, the incredible people who keep D.C. thriving every single day for their bold vision, big ideas, personal sacrifices and relentless pursuit of excellence in service to the city. I am deeply grateful."

Her last day in office will be Jan. 2, 2027.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.