Democratic socialist Janeese Lewis George was elected mayor of Washington, D.C., NBC News projects, continuing Democratic control of the capital — but with a difference, as self-identified socialists make gains in cities across the United States.
Lewis George will be Washington’s first new mayor since 2015, succeeding Muriel Bowser, who did not seek re-election after three terms and is leaving public office. A large number of Democrats rallied in primaries in June to win the right to be the party’s nominee in November. No Republicans showed up.
DC Council member Lewis George defeated Robert L. Gross of the DC State Green Party and independent Rhonda Hamilton for the seat.
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Lewis George’s rise in Washington follows other municipal successes enjoyed by democratic socialists in recent years. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is the most high-profile mayor who is part of the Democratic Socialists of America. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson also identifies as a democratic socialist, although she is not a member of the DSA.
Lewis George will be charged with managing the capital’s relationship with the federal government and President Donald Trump, who said after his victory in the Democratic primary that he would not let Washington “be destroyed by a communist supporter.”
Lewis George said at the time: “The fact is that the mayor of the nation’s capital and the administration are going to meet. I am willing to work with anyone, including the administration, to improve the lives of Washington, D.C. residents, and I will stand up to anyone who puts our city or its residents at risk. Making Washington, D.C. safer and more affordable for our residents is my immediate goal.”
Lewis George has served on the Washington Council since 2020, and during her campaign she championed universal child care, the expansion of affordable housing, and free city busing for residents enrolled in SNAP benefits.
This was the first time the city used ranked-choice voting for its mayoral race, as it was approved as a 2024 ballot measure.
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