Police Report Suggests D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton May Have Dementia After Falling Victim to Home Scam
A troubling police report has raised questions about the health and capacity of Eleanor Holmes Norton, the 88-year-old Democratic Delegate to Congress from Washington, D.C., suggesting she may be in the early stages of dementia.
According to documents obtained by NBC Washington, Norton allegedly fell victim to a home repair scam on October 24 when individuals posing as HVAC workers gained entry to her residence and charged her over $4,000 for work that was never performed.
The longtime nonvoting House delegate—who has represented the District since 1991—was billed $4,362 for supposed duct and fireplace cleaning services that police later determined were fraudulent. Norton’s credit card was charged before a close associate intervened and called law enforcement.
The police report describes Norton as being in the “early stages of dementia” and notes that someone holding power of attorney helped stop the scam. However, Norton’s office swiftly denied that characterization, calling it an unqualified assumption made by the reporting officer.
“The medical diagnosis included in the police report was based on an assumption the reporting officer was unqualified to make,” Norton’s 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 office declined to comment further on Norton’s health but confirmed cooperation with law enforcement as the investigation continues. It remains unclear whether any arrests have been made or whether the suspects have been identified.
According to NBC Washington’s reporting, the fake contractors arrived at Norton’s home on 9th Street SE around 3:30 p.m., claimed to be HVAC professionals, and entered under the pretense of performing maintenance work. Despite completing no legitimate service, they charged Norton’s card before her associate intervened.
The incident has reignited national debate about the age and cognitive health of long-serving politicians—especially after the glaring decline in leadership seen during Joe Biden’s presidency. Many Americans recall how Biden’s repeated gaffes, limited public appearances, and extended vacations raised legitimate concerns about his mental and physical fitness for office.
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell’s recent health episodes have also amplified bipartisan discussion over whether term limits or mandatory medical evaluations should be implemented for senior lawmakers.
Norton, who has served for more than 30 years, is among the oldest members of Congress. While she cannot cast votes on the House floor, her role in committee work gives her significant influence over D.C.’s federal affairs. Questions now swirl about her ability to continue performing her duties effectively should any medical diagnosis be confirmed.
For many voters, the case underscores the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and leadership renewal in Washington. It also highlights the vulnerability of elderly Americans—regardless of wealth or status—to financial scams that have become increasingly sophisticated.
As of now, Norton has not issued a personal statement regarding the incident or the police report. The suspects remain at large, and the investigation is ongoing.