Democratic socialist Janeese Lewis George is set to become the next mayor of Washington DC after her opponent in the Democratic primary conceded the race Thursday, a victory that puts the city council member on track to lead a city grappling with federal pressure and economic uncertainty.
Lewis George, a Democrat, addressed supporters at an election night party at the Howard Theatre in Washington on Tuesday as results came in. She ran on a platform of expanding childcare, education and housing and revoking the district’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. She secured the Democratic nomination in Washington’s first ranked-choice voting mayoral election, prevailing in a city where Democrats hold an overwhelming advantage. She will likely face no serious opposition in the November general election.
Kenyan McDuffie, a former city council member who ran a campaign focused on public safety and local businesses, conceded the race Thursday morning. “Earlier this morning, I called Councilmember Janeese Lewis George to congratulate her on her victory and wish her success as she prepares for the general election,” McDuffie said in a statement.
The primary unfolded against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the city and the Trump administration. President Donald Trump had threatened to expand federal control over Washington if Lewis George won. Over the past year, Trump has deployed the National Guard in the city and supported widespread immigration enforcement operations.
Washington’s economy remains under strain. The Trump administration and Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” slashed entire federal agencies last year, sending shockwaves through a city whose workforce is heavily tied to the federal government. DC unemployment remains among the highest in the nation.
In a separate race, longtime city council member Robert White won the Democratic primary for the city’s non-voting congressional House delegate position. White defeated Brooke Pinto, another council member who also campaigned on public safety. The current delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton, announced her retirement earlier this year.
The general election is scheduled for November.