D.C.’s Ward 8 special election is coming up on July 15 and could be the most gripping local election in recent memory. Four candidates are vying for the Ward 8 D.C. Council seat vacated by Trayon White after he was expelled, including White himself. Whoever wins will serve the remainder of White’s term until Jan. 2, 2029.
In Case You Missed It
White is facing federal bribery charges for allegedly accepting bribes in exchange for influencing contracts at D.C. government agencies. White pleaded not guilty and even won a third term last November. But, in February, the D.C. council unanimously voted in favor of the expulsion following a damning independent investigation, which found "substantial evidence" against him. It was the first expulsion in D.C. Council history.
Despite all this, White said he is re-running for the same seat in this month's special election and remains one of the frontrunners.
Former D.C. Council member Trayon White at a city council meeting to discuss the disciplinary actions for the bribery charges on Jan. 28, 2025. (The Washington Post/Getty Images)
Could He Win His Seat Back?
Anything could happen. White is a three-time council member for a reason. His supporters like his down-to-earth demeanor and track record of showing up, crisis after crisis. But, that's not to say many voters don’t feel betrayed by his recent actions and many are questioning his ability to serve the population of Ward 8. But will it be enough to change how they vote?
Lots of people don’t care. What's one more scandal? To them this is yet another instance of the federal government coming after Black politicians, which, let's be honest, the FBI doesn’t have a great track record with.
Alex Koma, Washington City Paper
Who Else Is Running?
There are three other candidates running, all of whom have long histories in Ward 8 politics.
- Salim Adofo is an advisory neighborhood commissioner in Congress Heights and former tenant advocate with Empower DC. His campaign focuses on housing and public safety.
- Sheila Bunn has experience working for several local politicians including Eleanor Holmes Norton and Vince Gray. She wants to focus on food access disparities and transportation issues in the ward.
- Mike Austin is an attorney and worked for the old Ward 8 council member, Lou Ruby May. He is focused on health disparities and is seen as an institutional candidate with close ties to the Mayor’s office.
What Happens If Trayon White Wins?
D.C. Council is already in talks about expelling White again should he win. However, kicking him out again and disregarding voters' wishes is a political risk that could lead to yet another special election. Of course, the council could run out the clock until his 2026 trial and let the federal prosecutors decide for them.
