D.C. Council member Janeese Lewis George announced a campaign to become mayor of Washington, D.C. A democratic socialist, George seemingly emulates New York City’s Zohran Mamdani.
“I ran for D.C. Council because I was sick of the status quo, tired of watching politicians make plans that left the rest of us out,” Lewis George said in a campaign video. “Rent’s rising in homes people can’t afford, folks working hard and still feeling the squeeze, while few in power rake in profits.”
“And now our neighbors, our families, are under attack because we are failing to stand up to defend them,” she continued, noting, “That’s not the D.C., I know. That’s why I’m running for mayor. Because it’s time we had leaders who fight for the people who stand up to corruption and greed and stand with the people who make D.C. work.”
Upon winning the election for D.C. Council member in 2020, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) congratulated Lewis George.
“Congratulations to Janeese Lewis George on her victory, and thank you to the chapter members who worked so hard to volunteer for her campaign,” Metro D.C. DSA Chair Irene Koo said in November 2020. “We look forward to working with George to build a truly equitable city and to make the D.C. Council representative of working people, not developers, lobbyists, or an oppressive police force.”
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser recently announced that she would not be seeking a fourth term. “It has been the honor of my life to be your Mayor. Together, we have built a legacy of success of which I am intensely proud,” she said in a statement on X. “With a grateful heart, I am announcing that I will not seek a fourth term. For the next 12 months, let’s run through the tape and keep winning for DC.”
Meanwhile, socialist Katie Wilson has become Seattle’s mayor-elect, while socialist Omar Fateh lost his bid for Minneapolis mayor.
