Washington, D.C. will implement ranked choice voting in its 2026 election cycle, with several longtime politicians opting not to seek reelection. Currently, only Alaska and Maine utilize ranked choice voting, which allows voters to rank candidates by preference. D.C. adopted this system through a ballot measure in 2024.
In the mayoral race, a recent poll shows Democratic socialist Janeese Lewis George leading centrist Kenyan McDuffie by 11 percentage points. Current Mayor Muriel Bowser is not running for a fourth term. Lewis George faces criticism for her stance on teenage curfews, which are supported by 71% of registered voters. McDuffie has focused his campaign on this issue, and both candidates have received support from different factions within the Democratic Party.
In congressional news, Democratic Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, who has served for over 34 years, has announced she will not seek reelection. Norton has been a prominent advocate for D.C. statehood. Her departure opens the field for former D.C. Council members Robert White and Brooke Pinto, who are engaged in a contentious race.
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb is running for reelection against challenger J.P. Szymkowicz in the Democratic primary. Schwalb has criticized the Trump administration's policies, while Szymkowicz emphasizes addressing root causes of crime.
Additionally, there will be a special election for an independent at-large councilman seat, with candidates Doni Crawford, Jacque Patterson, and Elissa Silverman vying for the position. Housing affordability and educational gaps are highlighted as key issues by the candidates.
The election cycle will also see five candidates competing for the Ward 1 seat following incumbent Brianne Nadeau's decision not to run again, while incumbents in Wards 3, 5, and 6 are facing various levels of opposition.