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Challenger concedes to democratic socialist Janeese Lewis George in Washington, D.C., mayoral primary
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Janeese Lewis George, a democratic socialist and current D.C. City Councilmember, conceded the Democratic primary for mayor, positioning her as the likely next mayor of Washington, D.C., with about 53% of the vote against Kenyan McDuffie's 37%.
- McDuffie congratulated Lewis George on her victory, and she is expected to be a strong favorite in the general election in the predominantly Democratic city.
- This primary win marks a significant advancement for democratic socialists in U.S. municipal politics, following similar successes in cities like New York and Los Angeles.
- The race occurred amid tensions with former President Donald Trump, who threatened federal intervention if Lewis George won, a move she condemned as an attack on democracy and D.C.'s home rule.
- Local issues such as crime reduction and housing affordability were central to the campaign, which was the first D.C. mayoral race to use ranked-choice voting, though it did not alter the outcome as Lewis George secured a majority.
