Socialist Candidate Leads in D.C. Mayoral Race

In the race to become the next mayor of Washington, D.C., Janeese Lewis George, a socialist candidate, holds a lead as election results continue to be tallied. By midnight on the East Coast, George had secured 52.6% of the vote with 66% of the ballots counted, according to the Associated Press. Her closest competitor, Kenyan R. McDuffie, had garnered 36.8%.

The context of this election is significant, as Washington, D.C. has been a focal point of federal interventions during the Trump administration. The deployment of the National Guard in the district last year has been tied to a decrease in violent crime. Former President Donald Trump has indicated that a federal intervention would be possible if a socialist mayor is elected.

Trump expressed his disapproval of the prospect of a Democratic socialist leading Washington, D.C., suggesting that the federal government might take control to protect business interests in the area.

George responded to Trump’s comments by labeling them an attack on democracy. As a Democratic frontrunner in a city where 75% of voters are Democrats, her chances are high in the general race.

This election marks the first time ranked-choice voting is being used in Washington, D.C., which might lead to a delay in officially certifying a winner.

Voters also participated in the Democratic primary for the non-voting U.S. Delegate seat, succeeding Eleanor Holmes Norton. The Associated Press called the race for Robert White shortly after midnight.

Reporter Andrew Mark Miller from Fox News contributed to this coverage.