Muriel Bowser Announces She Won’t Run for Fourth Term as DC Mayor

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser will not seek re-election. She made the announcement on November 25, 2025. This ends a decade of her leadership in the nation’s capital.

Her current term concludes in January 2027. The decision sets the stage for a major political transition. It comes amid significant federal pressures on the city.

Bowser’s Decision: The End of an Era

Bowser shared her choice in a video posted on social media. She called it the hardest decision of her career. She expressed pride in her administration’s accomplishments.

According to NBC News, she stated she has achieved her main goals. These include major investments in housing and infrastructure. She feels it is the right time for new leadership.

Her tenure saw the city through the COVID-19 pandemic. She also navigated complex relations with the federal government. These challenges have defined her final years in office.

Legacy and Challenges: A Decade of Transformation

Bowser became mayor in 2015. Her leadership focused on affordable housing and economic growth. The city created over 36,000 homes under her watch.

She oversaw the completion of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. This was the largest infrastructure project in D.C. history. WTOP reported this as a signature achievement.

Recent years brought new tests. Federal workforce reductions impacted the local economy. Relations with the Trump administration presented ongoing challenges.

She fought to maintain the city’s home rule authority. This included legal battles over National Guard deployment. These struggles highlighted the city’s unique political position.

Political Future: An Open Race for Mayor

Bowser’s exit creates a wide-open mayoral race. Several city council members are considered potential candidates. The primary will use ranked-choice voting for the first time.

She has not endorsed a successor. This leaves the field competitive. The election will shape the city’s direction for years to come.

Key projects, like a new Washington Commanders stadium, hang in the balance. Bowser championed the RFK site development. Her successor will determine its future.

Muriel Bowser’s departure marks a pivotal moment for Washington, D.C. Her legacy of growth and resilience will influence the city long after she leaves office. The search for a new mayor begins now.

Thought you’d like to know

How long has Muriel Bowser been mayor?

Muriel Bowser has been mayor for ten years. She was first elected in 2014 and took office in 2015. She was re-elected in 2018 and 2022.

What did Muriel Bowser accomplish as mayor?

Her key achievements include major affordable housing investments. She also oversaw the Frederick Douglass Bridge project. School graduation rates improved significantly under her leadership.

Who will run for DC mayor now?

Council members Kenyan McDuffie and Janeese Lewis George are potential candidates. The race is expected to be highly competitive. No one has officially declared their candidacy yet.

Why is Bowser not running again?

She stated she has accomplished her primary goals. She believes it is time for new leadership. She has not disclosed her specific future plans.

What happens to the RFK stadium project?

The proposed Commanders stadium was a Bowser priority. The project’s future now depends on the next mayor. Construction was not scheduled to begin until after her term.