Local DC government could see a dizzying amount of turnover in 2026

The local D.C. political landscape is about to see a shakeup the likes of which District voters have never seen in the history of home rule.

The next 12 to 18 months will see, at a minimum: a new mayor and two new councilmembers, as well as the possibility of much more turnover of elected officials, plus up to three special elections — not to mention a councilmember facing the possibility of going to prison, and if all that isn’t enough … D.C. residents also will have a new way of voting.

Lets start at the top with what is certain: There will be three open seats.

Three-term Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced she won’t run again. Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau and At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds also announced they’re not seeking reelection.

First, let’s take a look at the mayor’s race. The two biggest names in the run for mayor are Janeese Lewis George, who has announced she will run and has hit the ground running with fundraising and organization, and Kenyan McDuffie, who has said he’s considering it and will make a decision soon. The other night Bowser told the D.C. Economic Club, “If you like me, you’re going to love Kenyan. Wink, wink,” fueling speculation that she might endorse McDuffie to replace her.

McDuffie and Lewis George’s campaigns open the door for possible special elections and additional new councilmembers.

What’s happening with the congressional delegate seat held by Eleanor Holmes Norton?

This is a race that typically doesn’t draw much attention or suspense, but this time it’s nothing but suspense. Holmes Norton has held this seat for more 30 years. There have been calls for the 88-year-old to retire, but so far, she has not made an official announcement on what she will do.

But two D.C. councilmembers have announced they will run for her seat: Brooke Pinto and Robert White.

Since both are current councilmembers, the House delegate race could have a big impact beyond just the seat itself. If either Pinto or White wins, it would trigger another special election to replace that member’s seat on the Council.

How does the bribery charge against Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White factor into all this?

White was charged by the U.S. attorney with taking a bribe. He’s pleaded not guilty. He was voted off the Council by his peers, only to win back his seat in a special election after that.

White’s trial is scheduled for March. If he’s found guilty, he would be forced off the Council again, and that would trigger another special election.

How many special elections could there be in DC in 2026?

Brace yourself. Over the next 18 months, we could see as many as four special elections:

Ward 2 or At-Large Councilmember: If either Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto or At-Large Councilmember Robert White wins the U.S. House delegate seat, there would be a special election to fill their current seat on the D.C. Council. And that would mean another new councilmember, so now we’d be at three new members coming in.

At-Large Councilmember: If At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie does run in the mayor’s race, because he’s a registered independent, he’d have to resign from the Council and switch his party back to Democrat. That would trigger a special election for his seat and make room for yet another new councilmember. If you’re keeping track, that could make at least four new members.

And just to add a bit more to the mix: If McDuffie does resign, because he’s an independent, the D.C. Council would appoint someone to replace him for six months until that special election.

Ward 8 Councilmember: If Trayon White is forced out of office due to the bribery charge, there would be a special election for his seat. Now we’d be at five new councilmembers.

Ward 4 Councilmember: If Janeese Lewis-George wins her race for mayor, that would mean a special election for her Ward 4 seat, and thus another new member of the D.C. Council.

How does ranked-choice voting factor in?

That’s a lot to take in, but there’s yet another twist to the upcoming election that D.C. residents have never had: ranked-choice voting. Ranked-choice voting was approved by voters and is scheduled to take effect for the June primary.

Rather than vote for their favorite candidate, voters would rank the candidates from their favorite to least favorite.

It’s a wild card here — nobody really knows how it will impact this election cycle. However, in a crowded field like the one we’re seeing shape up in the Ward 1 race, it will definitely have an impact.

Here are the six races on the June 2026 primary ballot in D.C.:

• Attorney general
• D.C. Council chair
• Ward 1 councilmember
• Ward 3 councilmember
• Ward 5 councilmember
• Ward 6 councilmember

There could be some drama in those races, because Congress and has threatened to do away with D.C.’s elected attorney general, and Phil Mendelson might face opposition for chair.