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DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, 88, was swindled out of $4,362 by scammers posing as HVAC workers. A police report cited “early stages of dementia,” but Norton’s office strongly denied the claim, calling it an unqualified assumption. The case, now under police investigation as felony fraud, reignites questions about the congresswoman’s health and continued service in office. What Happened at Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Home Veteran lawmaker Eleanor Holmes Norton, who has represented the District of Columbia in Congress since 1991, fell victim to a scam at her Washington, DC residence last Thursday. According to an internal police report obtained by NBC News4, several individuals posing as HVAC repair workers arrived at Norton’s home around 3:30 p.m. and charged $4,362 to her credit card without performing any work. The report states that Norton’s “caretaker/power of attorney” was not present when the scammers arrived. The person identified as her caretaker—later clarified by Norton’s office as her “house manager”—reported the incident to police after reviewing Ring doorbell footage and confirming that no maintenance appointment had been scheduled. The Police Report and Dementia Reference The most controversial detail in the report wasn’t the scam itself—but a line in the “victim information” section. It described Norton as an “88-year-old Black woman suffering early stages of dementia.” That claim sparked immediate pushback from Norton’s office. In a statement to NBC News4, her spokesperson said the officer who filed the report was “unqualified” to make a medical diagnosis, and that the congresswoman does not have dementia. “The medical diagnosis included in the police report was based on an assumption the reporting officer was unqualified to make,” her office said, clarifying further that Norton employs a house manager—not a caretaker—who oversees maintenance services. The public version of the Metropolitan Police Department’s incident report—provided to The Washington Post—omits any reference to dementia, focusing solely on the ongoing felony fraud investigation. A String of Concerns About Norton’s Health This isn’t the first time questions have been raised about Norton’s cognitive health. Earlier this year, a New York Times profile cited colleagues and longtime friends who observed “signs of mental decline,” noting that the congresswoman sometimes appeared disoriented or failed to recognize familiar faces. The report also described her as “unable to function independently,” often relying on aides and family members for daily tasks. Norton, one of the longest-serving members of the House and a fixture in DC politics, has reportedly missed several House Oversight Committee meetings in recent years. Still, Norton has publicly dismissed speculation about her health, telling Axios in September that she intends to seek re-election. “Of course,” she said when asked if she was running again. “My seniority is what’s important, and I am not going to step aside.” The Fallout and Political Repercussions The timing of this incident could deepen ongoing discussions about aging lawmakers in Congress, particularly as voters increasingly debate term limits and mental competency tests for elected officials. At 88, Norton joins a growing list of senior legislators under public scrutiny—alongside figures like Sen. Dianne Feinstein (who passed away last year at 90 after years of health speculation) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who faced public freezes during press conferences. Political analysts suggest that while the fraud itself may not damage Norton’s standing, questions about her cognitive health could become a larger issue if she insists on running again in 2026. “Even if the dementia claim was inaccurate, the fact that it appeared in a police report underscores the public’s perception problem,” said one political strategist, noting that constituents may begin to question who’s managing her day-to-day affairs. The Scam Investigation As of now, the suspects remain at large. DC’s Metropolitan Police Department confirmed to The Post that the case is being investigated as felony fraud, and that Norton’s bank has been alerted about the unauthorized charges. Her office said Norton is safe and cooperating with authorities: “The congresswoman is safe, and the fraudulent charges have been reported to the police and her bank. She thanks MPD and Capitol Police for their quick response. There will be no further comment.” Why This Matters This incident shines a harsh light on two broader issues: Vulnerability of seniors to scams: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has long warned that elderly Americans are disproportionately targeted by home repair scams, phone impersonations, and financial fraud. Transparency in congressional health: Norton’s case reignites the debate over whether lawmakers should be required to disclose age-related cognitive evaluations—especially as the average age of Congress continues to rise. For voters in Washington, DC—who have long seen Norton as a symbol of self-determination and representation despite her non-voting status in Congress—the story raises difficult questions about leadership, dignity, and legacy. What’s Next for Norton While Norton’s team insists she remains fully capable of serving, her public appearances have become increasingly limited. Recent footage from Capitol Hill showed aides assisting her to her seat during committee hearings, further fueling speculation about her health. Still, those close to her describe her as deeply committed to her district. “She’s devoted her life to DC residents,” one former aide told The Times. “But at some point, devotion and capacity have to be balanced.” For now, Norton continues to serve in Congress—and vows to keep doing so. Whether the public believes she’s still fit for office may depend less on one police report and more on how transparently her office addresses the growing concerns about her health and independence.
