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2d ago

Trayon White Leads Ward 8 Special Election as Polls Open

If re-elected in today’s special vote, he could return to the council pending his 2026 bribery trial.

A mobile billboard truck displays a message in support of former District of Columbia Councilman Trayon White outside the Anacostia Neighborhood Library during the Ward 8 special election, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Former District of Columbia Councilman Trayon White talks to a voter outside Union Temple Baptist Church during the Ward 8 special election, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A mobile billboard truck displays a message in support of former District of Columbia Councilman Trayon White outside the Anacostia Neighborhood Library during the Ward 8 special election, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Former District of Columbia Councilman Trayon White talks to a voter outside Union Temple Baptist Church during the Ward 8 special election, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Overview

  • Early voting concluded July 14 as residents in predominantly Black, lower-income Ward 8 head to polls today to fill the seat White vacated in February.
  • White remains on the ballot under D.C. law despite his ongoing federal bribery case, having pleaded not guilty to allegations he accepted tens of thousands in exchange for steering contracts.
  • Preliminary tallies indicate White holds a narrow lead over challengers Salim Adofo, Mike Austin and Sheila Bunn.
  • His low-profile return bid featured artificial intelligence–generated campaign videos and sparse debate appearances.
  • A victorious White would prompt the D.C. Council to reconsider expulsion or wait for his trial slated for early 2026.