Washington DC voters will head to the polls Nov. 3 to elect a new mayor, choose members of the DC Council and decide several other local and federal races.
The election will determine who leads the District after Mayor Muriel Bowser leaves office, as well as who represents neighborhoods across the city. Voters will also decide a ballot initiative that would prohibit the production and sale of foie gras made through force-feeding birds.
Here's a look at the candidates and issues on the November ballot.
Who is running for DC mayor?
Three candidates are running to succeed Bowser, who is not seeking a fourth term:
- Janeese Lewis George, Democrat
- Rhonda Hamilton, independent
- Robert L. Gross, DC Statehood Green Party
Who is running for DC Council?
Several Council seats are on the ballot, including the chairman, two at-large seats and four ward representatives.
Council chairman
- Phil Mendelson, Democrat (incumbent)
- Abi-Ananiah Prudent, Republican
The chairman leads the 13-member Council,
which passes local laws, approves the District's budget and oversees city agencies.
At-large Council seats
Two seats representing the entire District are up for election. Four candidates are running:
- Oye Owolewa, Democrat
- Elissa Silverman, independent
- Darrell Green, Republican
- Darryl Moch, Green Party
Ward Council seats
Residents of four wards will elect their Council representatives:
- Ward 1: Aparna Raj (Democrat), Jett Jasper (Republican), Ryan Prince (independent) and Jude Crannitch (Green Party).
- Ward 3: Matthew Frumin (Democrat), who is running unopposed.
- Ward 5: Zachary Parker (Democrat), Jeffrey Kihien-Palza (Republican) and Joyce Robinson-Paul (Green Party).
- Ward 6: Charles Allen (Democrat) and Jorge Rice (Republican).
Council members represent their individual wards while voting on legislation affecting the entire District.
Who is running for DC's congressional seats?
DC does not have voting representation in Congress, but residents elect a nonvoting delegate to the U.S. House.
The candidates are Robert White (Democrat), Denise Rosado (Republican) and Kymone Freeman (Green Party).
Voters will also elect a shadow U.S. senator, Paul Strauss (Democrat) or Robert Simmons (Republican), and a shadow U.S. representative, Franklin Garcia (Democrat) or Ciprian Ivanof (Republican). These officials advocate for DC statehood but do not hold voting seats in Congress.
Who is running for DC attorney general?
Incumbent Brian Schwalb, a Democrat, is seeking reelection against Republican challenger Manuel Rivera.
The attorney general serves as the District's chief legal officer, representing D.C. in court, enforcing local laws and protecting the city's legal interests. The position carries a four-year term.
What other races and issues are on the ballot?
Residents of Wards 1, 3, 5 and 6 will elect representatives to the DC State Board of Education. Candidates include Ben Williams (Ward 1); Eric Goulet and Aaron Wesolowski (Ward 3); Jon Alfuth and Lynn Jennings (Ward 5); and Amber A. Williams, David Parker and Joshua Wiley (Ward 6).
Voters will also elect Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners, who advise city officials on local issues such as zoning, development, traffic and liquor licenses.
Finally, Initiative 86, the Prohibiting Force-Feeding of Birds Act of 2026, would prohibit force-feeding birds to enlarge their livers and ban the sale or distribution of products made through the practice, including foie gras. A yes vote supports the restrictions; a no vote opposes them.
Mike Stunson is a Washington DC-based reporter writing all things trending, breaking and DMV related for USA TODAY's DC Connect Team.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is on the DC ballot? A guide to the November 2026 election
