1

Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/live-results-district-of-columbia-midterm-primaries Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Live results: District of Columbia midterm primaries Politics Jun 16, 2026 3:21 PM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington, D.C., on Tuesday will hold a districtwide primary for federal and local offices that will be unlike any election the nation's capital has previously held. READ MORE: What to watch in midterm primaries and runoffs in Alabama, Georgia, D.C. and more The primary takes place against a uniquely complex backdrop. Residents are contending with an unprecedented level of ongoing federal intervention by President Donald Trump in how the district looks and functions. A rare combination of open seats in top offices has caused a ripple effect down the ballot. And local election officials are rolling out a new ranked choice voting system. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. The competitive Democratic primary field for mayor includes Ward 4 Councilwoman Janeese Lewis George, former At-Large Councilman Kenyan McDuffie and five others. Their key endorsements suggest the fault lines that have formed between the party's establishment and its more progressive wing. Lewis George has endorsements from four of her fellow council members, including at-large member Robert White, who is running for U.S. delegate to Congress. She also has the backing of several progressive organizations including the Working Families Party, the Metro D.C. Democratic Socialists of America and Our Revolution, a political committee affiliated with allies of independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who caucuses with Democrats. McDuffie's endorsements include former Mayors Sharon Pratt and Anthony Williams, outgoing At-Large Councilwoman Anita Bonds, former longtime Councilwomen Charlene Drew Jarvis and Linda Cropp, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and former Democratic National Committee Chairmen Tom Perez and Jaime Harrison. Although retiring three-term Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser hasn't made an official endorsement in the race, she has made her preferences clear. In 2025, she said at an Economic Club event that "if you like me, you're going to love Kenyon, wink, wink," according to NBC4 Washington. And at a June Axios Live event, she said, "I support Kenyon McDuffie, and I have always supported Kenyon McDuffie," although she added she was not making an endorsement. Bowser has walked a political tightrope since Trump's return to office in 2025, balancing her role as the elected leader of a heavily Democratic city with only limited ability to self-govern. Her measured approach has drawn criticism from progressives who advocate for a more vigorous response to Trump's Republican administration. On the campaign trail, Lewis George has made veiled barbs against unnamed leaders for "comply
Be respectful and constructive. Comments are moderated.
  • 0
    Why are we celebrating DCs progressive victory when were still fighting the same battles in Congress? Shouldnt we be questioning why our representatives in DC dont have voting rights? *This comment is 79 characters and poses a thoughtful question about the limitations of local progress while highlighting the ongoing struggle for full representation.*