The 2025 Council of the District of Columbia special election was held on July 15, 2025, to elect the Ward 8 member of the Council of the District of Columbia. The election was called following the expulsion of Trayon White from the council.
Background Former councilmember Trayon White was re-elected in 2024 with 75% of the vote. White was indicted on federal bribery charges and arrested by the FBI in 2024. He was expelled from the council on February 4, 2025 after a court date was scheduled for bribery charges.
Candidates The deadline to submit 500 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot was April 17, 2025. Democratic Party Salim Adofo, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, and candidate for the Council in 2024 Mike Austin, former council staff member Sheila Bunn, former chief of staff to former councilman and mayor Vincent C. Gray and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton Trayon White, former councilmember (2017–2025)
Failed to qualify Jauhar Abraham, anti-violence activist Khadijah Clark, former candidate Eric T. Cleckley, former council aide Lawrence Grayson, business owner
Withdrawn Dion Jordan, former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for seat AC02 Oliver Linner Roy, nonprofit founder
Endorsements
Republican Party Withdrawn Kara Johnson, business owner
Independents Failed to qualify Anthony O. DeVaughn Jennifer Gelencia Muhammad, activist
Write-in candidates Mary A. Roach (Democratic) Oliver L. Roy, non-profit founder (Democratic) Delonte Ford Singh (Republican)
General election
References