Ward 8 on the DC Council is poised for a special election on July 15, 2025, as current Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. faces significant challenges following his expulsion from the council on February 7.
White, a Democrat who has held the ward’s council seat since 2017, was unanimously expelled after an independent investigation found him in violation of the council’s code of ethics, primarily due to federal bribery charges.
Despite these serious allegations, White remains a candidate in the election, drawing on a historically strong support base that helped him secure 52 percent of the primary vote and nearly 76 percent in the general election.
In addition to White, three other Democratic candidates have stepped forward: Salim Adofo, an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner; Mike Austin, a former ANC Commissioner and Chief of Staff to the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development (DMPED); and Sheila Bunn, who previously served as Chief of Staff to Ward 7 Councilmember and former Mayor Vincent Gray.
As the election approaches, White has remained largely absent from public forums where other candidates have gathered to discuss their visions for the ward.
Except for one event at the Thurgood Marshall Academy, White has not participated in discussions, and the other candidates have notably refrained from mentioning him in their debates.
Instead, Adofo, Austin, and Bunn have focused on issues critical to the constituents of Ward 8, including economic disparity, educational opportunities, and public safety initiatives through community investment.
Adofo, who has often taken contrarian positions in forum discussions, advocates for term limits on the DC Council and supports a pause on luxury development until a homeownership council is validated for Ward 8.
He also emphasized his opposition to proposed changes to the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) by Mayor Bowser, which he believes would erode tenant rights.
Bunn has expressed the need for nuance in addressing these critical issues, supporting free replacement of lead pipes only for households that cannot afford to pay for it.
Austin discussed the potential rollback of Initiative 82, which eliminates the tipped minimum wage, indicating he would first seek input from service workers before making a decision.
Education has emerged as a paramount concern among the candidates.
While all candidates agree on the importance of education, Austin has placed particular emphasis on developing alternative career pathways apart from college, advocating for trade and technical skills as essential to creating economic opportunities for youth.
Adofo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing workforce development programs. He also highlighted previous successes in establishing after-school enrichment programs like the STEAM Academy, which have provided critical educational support to children in Ward 8.
Bunn has proposed collaborating with local unions to establish apprenticeship pipelines for youth, providing them with direct pathways to living wage jobs.
Additionally, she acknowledged the pressing need to bolster literacy and math proficiency in local public schools through high-impact tutoring initiatives.
All candidates agree that engaging with young people is essential, with Austin promoting youth leadership opportunities and the need for youth to be taken seriously in decision-making processes.
Bunn suggested creating a formal board to engage youth, akin to the State Board of Education’s model, which would facilitate regular town halls for youth to voice their concerns.
In terms of economics, all candidates recognize the essential role of supporting Ward 8 businesses in revitalizing the local economy, albeit with differing approaches.
Bunn proposed working alongside the DMPED to develop incentives for businesses that hire residents while also attracting desirable establishments like sit-down restaurants.
She stressed the importance of supporting small businesses through improvements and more straightforward regulatory processes.
Austin advocated for a broad approach, calling for audits of existing business growth agreements to ensure compliance and maximize opportunities for local communities.
Adofo took a proactive stance on preparing local residents for future employment opportunities through partnerships with educational institutions like UDC.
During discussions on public safety, the candidates unanimously agreed that it is a critical issue for Ward 8, requiring multifaceted solutions.
Austin highlighted the intersection of economic opportunity and crime prevention, proposing to reach out to individuals identified as high-risk for criminal involvement to create pathways to employment.
He also expressed strong opposition to proposed budget cuts for violence prevention programs and promoted the idea of utilizing former sex workers and drug dealers as community ambassadors to connect residents with resources.
Adofo, focusing on community services, called for strong mental health support and a zero-tolerance policy toward drug-related activities around schools.
He suggested a comprehensive approach that includes rehabilitation and skill-building opportunities for individuals coming out of incarceration.
Bunn underscored the importance of prevention strategies, advocating for reinstating neighborhood watch programs to foster community vigilance.
She also proposed a 24-hour mental health team to respond to crises where police presence may not be necessary, emphasizing accountability for violence prevention programs.
All candidates expressed a desire for community policing, urging for police officers to engage more actively with residents.
Adofo suggested that residents be encouraged to participate in Citizen Advisory Council meetings, while Bunn recommended incentives for first responders to reside in the communities they serve.
As the campaign intensifies, the candidates must navigate the legacy of Councilmember White’s tenure while presenting their own visions for the future of Ward 8.
With their varying approaches and proposals, the candidates are positioning themselves to address the pressing issues facing residents amidst an evolving political landscape.
image source from：https://www.hillrag.com/2025/06/13/the-ward-8-race-is-on-again/
