Janeese Lewis George Launches Mayoral Bid, Vowing a “People-First” Approach to D.C. Leadership
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D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George officially announced her candidacy for Mayor of Washington, D.C. on Monday, positioning herself as a champion for residents squeezed by financial pressures and concerns over public safety. she pledged to work collaboratively while fiercely defending the city’s autonomy.
A Challenge to the Status Quo
Lewis George’s entry into the mayoral race follows Mayor Muriel bowser’s announcement last week that she will not seek reelection, opening up a competitive field for the District’s top office. In her announcement, Lewis George directly addressed the frustrations of many D.C. residents, stating, “But too many residents still feel squeezed financially, from unaffordable housing to childcare, and feel unsafe in their neighborhoods… That’s wrong, it’s not the DC we should be and that’s why I’m running for Mayor.” She shared her vision in a campaign video on YouTube, titled “The DC I Know,” outlining her plans for the city she calls home.
Who is Janeese Lewis George?
First elected to the D.C. Council in 2020 representing Ward 4, Lewis George is a third-generation Washingtonian and a product of D.C. Public Schools. She frequently emphasizes her deep roots in the city, frequently enough describing herself as a “daughter of the District who puts people first.” Her upbringing, shaped by the experiences of her mother – a union postal worker and school lunch lady – instilled in her “the value of hard work, public service, and to lift others as we climb.”
Lewis George’s professional background includes a law degree from Howard University and a role as an assistant attorney general under former D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine, focusing on juvenile justice. Her political ascent began in 2020 when she unseated Bowser-backed incumbent Brandon Todd by nearly 12 points, a significant upset that signaled a desire for change in ward 4. She solidified her position in 2024, winning reelection wiht over 66% of the vote.
Describing herself as a “democratic socialist,” Lewis George has consistently advocated for policies addressing affordable housing, crime reduction, and educational improvements.Currently, she chairs the Council’s Committee on Facilities and also serves on committees related to transportation, labor, and public works. She has drawn inspiration from the leadership styles of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, praising their commitment to people-centered governance.
A Vocal Advocate for D.C. Autonomy
lewis George has been a especially outspoken critic of federal intervention in D.C. affairs. She vehemently opposed what she termed a “gross federal overreach” during a period of increased National Guard presence in the city, stating, “It’s an attack on our autonomy and, as a native Washingtonian, I will fight this hostile takeover with everything I have.”
In September,she co-hosted a “Free D.C.” rally with Maryland Rep. glenn Ivey, calling for Congressional action to protect District residents from federal overreach. She described the situation as “devastating, unacceptable, and cruel.” Her opposition extended to a vote in November, where she was the sole councilmember to oppose extending the police chief’s authority to designate youth curfew zones, citing concerns about increased surveillance and potential federal involvement. “This city is occupied,” she stated, expressing her fear that the curfew could disproportionately impact young people.
The Road Ahead
As of this week, Lewis George joins a growing field of candidates vying for the mayor’s office, including Rhonda Hamilton, Regan Jones, Robert Gross, and James McMorris. Potential candidates will begin collecting the required 3,000 signatures – or 1.5% of registered D.C. voters, whichever is smaller – in January to secure a place on the ballot. should Lewis George win the mayoral election, a special election will be held to fill the vacancy in the Ward 4 Council seat.
