D.C.’s shadow representative, Oye Owolewa, announced Friday he would not seek reelection for the role in 2026.

After five years in the posting, which were mostly spent petitioning Congress to reconsider statehood for the District, Owolewa said in a release it was “one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make.”

“Together, we’ve been featured in dozens of platforms discussing D.C. Statehood worldwide,” he wrote. “And most importantly, we continue to fight back against Donald Trump’s continued oppression on us D.C. residents. With that said, it’s time to pass the baton to the next generation of leaders.”

“Being in office should be an opportunity, not a career. I’m excited for our next chapter because D.C.’s future is bright,” he added.

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