Key facts
- Washington DC mayoral candidates Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie are campaigning on platforms addressing public safety, housing, and federal relations.
- Donald Trump has publicly stated his opposition to Lewis George winning the mayoral primary, threatening federal intervention.
- Lewis George plans to defend DC's autonomy and immigrant communities while seeking areas of compromise with the federal administration.
- McDuffie has pledged to protect DC's home rule and focus on affordability and public safety.
- Both leading candidates have accused each other of accepting donations from Trump supporters.
- Lewis George's campaign was fined for alleged improper coordination with unions.
Washington DC is heading into a mayoral primary election with candidates outlining how they would navigate potential conflicts with the Trump administration, particularly concerning the city's autonomy and federal immigration policies.
Two frontrunners, DC councilmember Janeese Lewis George and former councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, are vying for the Democratic nomination. The winner is expected to secure the general election in November, succeeding Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Lewis George, a democratic socialist, is campaigning on a "people-first platform" focused on lowering costs and stabilizing rent. McDuffie, a former prosecutor, has support from the business community and emphasizes affordable housing and public safety.
Donald Trump has publicly stated his disapproval of Lewis George's potential victory, suggesting federal takeover of DC governance. In response, Lewis George stated her commitment to DC autonomy and immigrant communities, while also seeking areas for federal cooperation. McDuffie pledged to "fight" for Washingtonians and protect home rule.
Regarding immigration enforcement, Lewis George proposed rescinding an executive order that directs police cooperation with federal immigration authorities, arguing officers should focus on local crime. McDuffie, however, focused on appointing a new police chief and chancellor to address affordability.
The race has seen sharp exchanges between candidates, with accusations of accepting donations from Trump supporters. Lewis George has accused McDuffie of receiving such funds, while McDuffie has countered that his donations are overwhelmingly from Democrats and independents. Separately, Lewis George's campaign was fined for alleged improper coordination with unions.
In the race for DC's non-voting congressional delegate, candidate Brooke Pinto also faces scrutiny over donations from individuals who have also contributed to Trump and other Republicans. Pinto defended her campaign's broad coalition support.
Recent polling indicates Lewis George holds an 11-point lead over McDuffie in the mayoral primary.