Residents in the nation’s capital have elected a new mayor. Ward 4 councilmember Janeese Lewis George will become the city’s first new mayor in 12 years.
Lewis George campaigned on making the District more affordable, with proposals addressing housing and child care. The celebration was electric as supporters gathered Tuesday night to celebrate the election results. As the Howard University Law School graduate prepares to take office, supporters are looking to see how those campaign promises will translate into action.
A party and a historic shift in the nation’s capital.
Janeese Lewis George has won the race for D.C. Mayor, becoming the city’s first democratic socialist to hold the office.
The victory also marks the end of a political era as Lewis George will succeed Muriel Bowser, who has served three consecutive terms as Mayor. Now, the Mayor-elect says she’s excited to begin this new chapter.
“We will connect Washingtonians to good jobs and make sure they’re paid every cent they’re owed,” she said, to the audience. “We will make our community safer and safety will be a priority every single day for our people and we will invest in our people when they need it most.”
At the Democratic campaign watch party for the Mayor-elect at Sycamore and Oak in Congress Heights, D.C. locals gathered as one community to dance, sing and celebrate the win for the party.
But as they celebrate, attention is already turning to what comes next.
“There are a lot of programs for seniors that need to be funded, you know that need more funding to help them age in place. You know, because you know property taxes and the cost of living is going up,” said Cerise Turner, Miss Senior District of Columbia 2023.
Charlotte McCourt is a student at George Washington University and was in high spirits at the event.
“I feel great. I mean democrats haven’t really had a great election cycle in a while,” she said. “And … I believe local government is the most important form of government, and having a mayor that represents my values and beliefs as someone who lives in D.C. is monumental and I’m really excited.”
For those gathered on election night, the victory brought a celebration of what they hope will be a new direction for D.C.
Lewis George agrees.
“I’m feeling so grateful. I’m just overwhelmed with gratefulness, truly. It’s amazing. I am so grateful to the residents of the district for trusting me to lead in this moment, and I’m just in such gratitude right now,” she said.
Amyah Wright and Beverly Robertson are senior NewsVision reporters with HUNewsService.com.
