Janeese Lewis George Leads D.C. Mayoral Race as Votes Counted

Socialist Washington, D.C. mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George holds the lead in her race to succeed outgoing mayor Muriel Bowser. As ballots continue to be tallied, George maintains 52.6% of the vote with 66% counted. Her closest rival, Kenyan R. McDuffie, trails with 36.8%, according to the Associated Press.

Washington, D.C. has seen significant focus during the Trump administration’s efforts to address crime nationwide. Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in the district has been linked to declines in violent crime.

Trump has indicated he might consider a federal intervention in Washington, D.C. if the ‘crazy socialist’ candidate wins the mayoral seat. “We might take back Washington and run it on a federal basis,” Trump commented when questioned on the election outcome.

George has labeled Trump’s threat of a federal takeover as an “attack on democracy.” She currently leads in a heavily Democratic city, where registered Democrats make up about 75% of voters. The use of ranked-choice voting could delay the final certification of results.

Voters in the district also participated in selecting their next non-voting U.S. Delegate, with Robert White declared the winner following Eleanor Holmes Norton’s retirement.