D.C.'s version of Zohran Mamdani — a young Democratic socialist who preaches affordability — may be Council member Janeese Lewis George.
Why it matters: Progressives are fired up after Mamdani's NYC triumph, eager to challenge D.C.'s business elites and Mayor Muriel Bowser's cautious approach to President Trump.
What we're hearing: Lewis George, 37, who said last month she was considering a mayoral run, is making calls around town to supporters and vendors in anticipation of a launch.
Why it matters: Progressives are fired up after Mamdani's NYC triumph, eager to challenge D.C.'s business elites and Mayor Muriel Bowser's cautious approach to President Trump.
What we're hearing: Lewis George, 37, who said last month she was considering a mayoral run, is making calls around town to supporters and vendors in anticipation of a launch.
- Bowser, who is still considering whether to run for a fourth term, would contrast as a more centrist Democrat. Ditto for Council member Kenyan McDuffie, who has told insiders he's planning to run.
- She's rallied against the federal takeover, joined Free DC protests, and denounced ICE enforcement (she took a video of an apparent detainment in August).
- Despite initial skepticism, she voted in favor of the $3.7 billion RFK Stadium project after guarantees for more union jobs.
- She proposed a "social housing" concept in which the D.C. government would build mixed-income affordable apartments.
