UMVA has learned that Democratic Socialist DC City Councilwoman Janeese Lewis George has declared victory in the highly contested seven-way primary to replace Mayor Muriel Bowser as DC Mayor.
With Bowser retiring at the end of her third term, Lewis George delivered a triumphant victory speech on Tuesday night, vowing to take a stand against what she perceives as threats to the city's values. In a bold statement, she pledged to "stand up to Trump" and anyone else who targets her neighbors.
As Lewis George takes the stage, she emphasized her commitment to collaboration, stating that as mayor, she will work with anyone who makes DC safer. However, she made it clear that she will not back down from a fight, particularly when it comes to defending her community against perceived threats.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Lewis George held a significant double-digit lead when counting stopped on Tuesday night. With DC's ranked-choice voting system in place, ballot counting is expected to continue slowly, but Lewis George's substantial lead puts her in a strong position.
If Lewis George can maintain her 50% lead, she will win the election outright, eliminating the need for a runoff race. This development has significant implications for the nation's capital, and UMVA will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
President Trump had previously expressed concerns about Lewis George's potential victory, threatening to invoke the DC Home Rule Act again if she won the race. He stated that he "wouldn't like it" if Lewis George were to become mayor, suggesting that the federal government might take a more active role in managing the city's affairs.
Trump's comments have sparked concerns about the potential for federal overreach, particularly given his previous actions. Last summer, he signed an executive order declaring a "crime emergency" and invoking powers under section 740 of the Home Rule Act to federalize the police.
