Muriel Bowser has been at the helm of Washington, D.C. as mayor for ten years, initially stepping into the role in January 2015. Her leadership was reaffirmed by voters when she secured reelection in both 2018 and 2022.

On Tuesday, she revealed her decision to step away after her current term, opting not to run for a fourth term. Bowser made this announcement through a video posted on her X account.

In the concise video message, Bowser articulates:

It has been the honor of my life to be your Mayor. Together, we have built a legacy of success of which I am intensely proud.

With a grateful heart, I am announcing that I will not seek a fourth term.

For the next 12 months, let’s run through the tape and keep winning for DC. pic.twitter.com/q0wQWe0h2c

— Muriel Bowser (@MurielBowser) November 25, 2025

In the relatively brief video, Bowser states: 

“My fellow Washingtonians, for 10 years, you and I have worked together on an ambitious agenda to restore faith in our government and ensure that every D.C. resident gets the fair shot they deserve. To keep that promise, we took big swings, keeping D.C. teams in D.C., raising enrollment and graduation rates in our schools, and investing more money in housing than any other city or state, creating 36,000 homes.

“We delivered on big projects like McMillan and St. Elizabeth’s, and invested nearly $1 billion in Ward 8, including the brand new, full-service Cedar Hill regional medical center. We drove unemployment to its lowest levels, achieved a AAA bond rating and strong reserves, quadrupled CBE spending, and completed the largest infrastructure project in our city’s history with the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge.

“We also brought our city back from the ravages of a global pandemic, and summoned our collective strength to stand tall against bullies who threaten our very autonomy, while preserving home rule. That is our North Star. 

“Throughout this remarkable journey, I’ve been honored to serve with countless dedicated city executives and extraordinary front-line workers, the incredible people who keep Washington D.C. thriving every day. For their bold vision, big ideas, personal sacrifices, and relentless pursuit of excellence in service to this city, I am deeply grateful.

“I’ve also had the immense privilege of working alongside all of you, the residents of D.C. Every day, I gain strength from witnessing your hard work, your ingenuity, and your pride in this city. You are the heartbeat of this place. 

“Now, looking to the future, I know we’ve laid the groundwork for others to build upon, to reshape and grow D.C.’s economy, establish D.C. as the 51st state, and protect our investments in affordable housing, transportation, public safety, and public schools. And to build a world-class stadium, housing, recreation, and parks at RFK. 

“It has been the honor of my life to be your mayor. But today, with a grateful heart, I am announcing that I will not seek a fourth term. When you placed your trust in me 10 years ago, you gave me an extraordinary opportunity to have a positive impact on my hometown. Every day since, I’ve cherished the opportunity and have happily given all my passion and energy to the job that I love. 

“Together, you and I have built a legacy of success, of which I’m intensely proud, and for the next 12 months, let’s run through the tape and keep winning for D.C.”