D.C. delegate candidates pledge to raise their voice after Norton's long fade

"“I believe that, where we are in history, the delegate needs to have a higher national profile,” Robert White, one of two D.C. Council members in the race, said in an interview. “Because people can't support an issue that they don't understand, so I need to make sure the rest of the nation understands D.C.”"

"“This seat has to be held by someone who can manage that legislative process and build those coalitions,” Pinto said, “but also can be an effective and authentic messenger to people across the city, across the country and across the world.”"

"Norton, who came of age in the Civil Rights Movement, saw success on both fronts. She helped engineer aid for the city in the 1990s and secure local control of key federal property, among other lobbying triumphs. She also occasionally garnered national attention for the city's status - including multiple viral appearances on "The Colbert Report.""

Norton’s career combined civil-rights-era experience with local lobbying success, including aid in the 1990s and local control of key federal property, plus occasional national attention. Younger candidates seeking to replace her aim to raise the delegate’s national profile. Robert White argues that delegates need broader recognition so people can understand and support D.C. issues. Brooke Pinto emphasizes managing legislative processes and building coalitions while serving as an authentic messenger to audiences across the city, country, and world. The Democratic nomination race for the June 16 election includes White, Pinto, Greg Jaczko, Trent Holbrook, and Kinney Zalesne. Norton will not be on the ballot for the first time since 1990.

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