WASHINGTON (7News) — D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton announced Tuesday she will retire at the end of her current term, ending more than three decades representing the District.

Norton, a Democrat, has served as D.C.’s delegate since 1991.

In a statement, she said she is stepping aside to make room for the next generation of leaders while continuing to serve through the remainder of her term.

"I've had the privilege of representing the District of Columbia in Congress since 1991. Time and again, D.C. residents entrusted me to fight for them at the federal level, and I have not yielded,” Norton said. “With fire in my soul and the facts on my side, I have raised hell about the injustice of denying 700,000 taxpaying Americans the same rights given to residents of the states for 33 years.

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Norton is known for her long-standing fight for D.C. statehood and equal rights for District residents.

Although she will not seek reelection, Norton said she plans to remain active in advocating for D.C. after leaving office.

"The privilege of public service is inseparable from the responsibility to recognize when it's time to lift up the next generation of leaders. For D.C., that time has come. With pride in all we have accomplished together, with the deepest gratitude to the people of D.C., and with great confidence in the next generation, I announced today that I will retire at the end of this term.”

Before Congress, Norton said she helped plan the 1963 March on Washington, served as chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, argued cases before the Supreme Court and taught law at Georgetown University.

“Thank you to my constituents for choosing and trusting me to fight for you in Congress 18 times," Norton said. "I will leave this institution knowing that I have given you everything I have. And while my service in Congress is ending, my advocacy for your rights, your dignity, and your capacity to govern yourselves is not.”