By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Democratic socialist Janeese Lewis George has been elected mayor of Washington, D.C., NBC News projects, continuing Democratic control of the capital while marking a shift toward progressive leadership.
Primary and General Election
Lewis George, a D.C. City Council member since 2020, won the June Democratic primary and faced no Republican opponent in the general election. She defeated Robert L. Gross of the DC Statehood Green Party and independent Rhonda Hamilton.
Progressive Gains in Major Cities
Her victory follows other municipal successes for democratic socialists, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, both of whom identify as democratic socialists.
Relationship with Federal Government
Lewis George will manage the district's relationship with the federal government and President Donald Trump, who previously said he would not let Washington "be destroyed by a Communist adherent." She has stated willingness to work with the administration while standing up for D.C. residents.
Policy Priorities
During her campaign, Lewis George championed universal childcare, expanding affordable housing, and making city buses free for residents enrolled in SNAP benefits.
First Ranked Choice Voting Mayoral Race
This was the first mayoral election in the city to use ranked choice voting, approved as a ballot measure in 2024.
