Mayor
This is the top job in the District. The Mayor of D.C. is the chief executive of the city's government, functioning much like a governor and a big-city mayor rolled into one. They are responsible for signing legislation passed by the D.C. Council, overseeing city agencies, managing the annual budget, and appointing key officials. The Mayor sets the policy agenda on everything from public safety and education to housing and economic development. With Mayor Muriel Bowser not seeking a fourth term, this is an open-seat election, guaranteeing new leadership for the city.
Chair of the D.C. Council
The Council Chair is the leader of the District's 13-member legislative body. Elected city-wide, the Chair presides over Council meetings, sets the legislative agenda, and plays
a crucial role in negotiating the city's budget. While every councilmember represents a constituency, the Chair is responsible for the legislative direction of the entire city, working to build consensus on laws and policies that affect all eight wards. This position holds significant influence over which bills come to a vote and how the city’s laws are shaped.
At-Large Councilmembers
The D.C. Council has four At-Large members who represent the entire District, unlike their colleagues who represent specific wards. Two of these seats are on the 2026 ballot. D.C.’s election laws are designed to ensure some political diversity on the Council; of the four At-Large seats, no more than two can be held by members of the majority party. This means voters will elect one At-Large member affiliated with the majority party and one who is an independent or from a minority party, ensuring a different perspective in the city’s legislature.
Ward Councilmembers (Wards 1, 3, 5, & 6)
If you live in Ward 1, 3, 5, or 6, you will be electing a councilmember to be your direct representative on the D.C. Council. Your Ward Councilmember is your primary advocate in city government, focusing on the specific needs of your neighborhood—from local schools and parks to zoning and constituent services. They vote on all city-wide legislation but bring a distinctly local perspective to the debate, ensuring that the unique concerns of their communities are addressed in city hall.
Attorney General
The Attorney General is the chief legal officer for the District of Columbia. This independently elected official represents the D.C. government in legal matters, prosecutes certain criminal cases (primarily juvenile offenses and traffic violations), and files civil lawsuits on behalf of the public to combat issues like consumer fraud and landlord-tenant disputes. The Attorney General has the power to shape legal policy and enforcement priorities for the city. Incumbent Brian Schwalb is running for a second term.
Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives
The Delegate is D.C.'s voice in the United States Congress. While the Delegate can introduce legislation and vote in committees, they famously cannot vote on the final passage of bills on the House floor. This position is crucial for advocating for D.C.'s interests at the federal level, fighting for statehood, and working to prevent congressional interference in local laws. After many terms, incumbent Eleanor Holmes Norton is not seeking re-election, making this another open and highly competitive race.
Shadow Senator & Shadow Representative
Voters will also elect a "Shadow Senator" and "Shadow Representative." These are not official members of Congress, but their role is to lobby for D.C. statehood and full voting rights on Capitol Hill. They are unpaid advocates whose entire job is to push for the District to become the 51st state, ensuring the issue remains on the national agenda. It's a position born out of D.C.'s unique political status and its ongoing fight for equal representation.
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANCs)
Perhaps the most local office on your ballot is for Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner. ANCs are non-partisan, unpaid officials who represent very small neighborhood districts. There are hundreds of these positions across the city. They weigh in on everything from liquor licenses and zoning changes to traffic patterns and public safety in their specific area. Their recommendations are given "great weight" by D.C. government agencies, making them an important grassroots link between residents and the city.
