A newly surfaced police report indicates that Eleanor Holmes Norton, the 88-year-old Democratic Delegate to Congress from Washington, D.C., may be in the early stages of dementia.
The report follows an incident in which Norton was allegedly defrauded by individuals posing as HVAC workers who entered her home and charged thousands of dollars for work that was never performed.
The long-serving nonvoting House delegate—who has represented the District of Columbia since 1991—became the victim of a scam on October 24, according to police documents first reported by NBC Washington.
The alleged con artists gained access to her residence under the pretense of performing duct and fireplace cleaning services. They ultimately billed her $4,362 using her credit card, despite not completing any legitimate work.
The police report describes Norton as being in the “early stages of dementia” and states that a caretaker with power of attorney was involved in halting the scam. However, Norton’s office disputes the accuracy of that description.
In a statement responding to the police report, a spokesperson for Norton rejected the suggestion that she has been medically diagnosed with dementia.
“The medical diagnosis included in the police report was based on an assumption the reporting officer was unqualified to make,” the spokesperson said. “Furthermore, Congresswoman Norton doesn’t have a caretaker. A longtime employee and friend serves as the house manager, residing at a separate address.”
The spokesperson declined to provide further comment on Norton’s health status.
According to the internal report obtained by NBC Washington, several individuals identifying themselves as HVAC workers arrived at Norton’s home on 9th Street SE at approximately 3:30 p.m. They were allowed inside, and although no actual services were rendered, they proceeded to charge her credit card.
The incident was stopped when a close associate of Norton—referred to by her office as a “house manager and friend”—intervened and alerted authorities. It remains unclear whether arrests have been made or if the suspects have been identified.
The situation has renewed questions about the capacity and oversight of long-serving elected officials, particularly those in advanced age. Norton, who has served in Congress for over three decades, is one of the oldest members of either chamber. While her role as D.C.’s delegate does not include a vote on the House floor, she plays an active part in committee work and remains a visible figure in local and national policy discussions.
The question of age and fitness for office has become a point of growing public concern, particularly after the disastrous Biden administration. President Joe Biden frequently dodged press conferences and took more vacation time than any other president in four years. Republican Senator Mitch McConnell has also come under scrutiny for age-related health issues and is set to retire after the next election cycle.
The broader political implications remain uncertain, especially in a deep-blue district like D.C., where Norton has long enjoyed strong support. Still, should any future diagnosis be confirmed, it could raise questions about succession planning and representation in the District, which already lacks full congressional voting rights.
No public statement has been made by Norton herself regarding the scam or the contents of the police report.
As of now, the individuals responsible for the fraudulent charges remain at large, and the investigation is ongoing. Norton’s office said it is cooperating with law enforcement to ensure justice is served.
This incident also serves as a reminder of the increasing frequency with which elderly individuals—regardless of status—are targeted by scams and fraudsters. As such crimes become more sophisticated, families, caregivers, and associates are urged to be vigilant in protecting aging relatives and colleagues, especially those in the public eye.
Whether or not Norton’s team will release further medical information remains to be seen. But the incident has already sparked renewed concern about elderly members of Congress and further reinforces the public’s support for term limits.