In a heartfelt video posted on social media, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Tuesday that she is not seeking re-election, calling her time in office an 'immense privilege.' Serving three terms, Bowser faced significant trials during her final year, particularly when President Donald Trump federalized the city's police and deployed National Guard troops under the pretext of crime-fighting. Throughout her tenure, she balanced the demands of local constituents who urged her to stand against Trump's interventions while also trying to maintain a favorable relationship with the administration. The distinct challenges stem from the district's limited home rule agreement, established in 1973, which gives federal leaders considerable influence over local governance, including budget approvals and legislation enacted by the D.C. council. This complex landscape made Bowser's role especially precarious during the federal push into D.C., marking her service as both transformative and contentious.}