At Nationals Park, nine players take the field to win a baseball game. But on Friday, dozens of Democratic candidates hoping to hit political home runs in the upcoming June primary filled the stadium’s ballroom — seeking supporters, visibility and votes.
They gathered for the D.C. Democratic Party’s Kennedys-King Dinner, the organization’s annual fundraiser honoring John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Nearly 400 candidates, city officials, and community leaders attended the event, which supports voter outreach, political education, and policy priorities such as D.C. statehood.
Charles Wilson, chair of the D.C. Democratic Party, echoed the message printed in the program: “Tonight is not only a celebration, it is a call to action.”
“Here in Washington, D.C.,” Wilson said, “we continue to fight for full statehood, defend home rule, and protect the rights and freedoms of our residents.”
The evening’s honorees included D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) and At-Large Council member Anita Bonds (D) — the only honoree in attendance — all of whom have decided not to run for reelection. Also present were people like mayoral candidate and Council member Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4).
Bond, who is stepping down after 13 years on the D.C. Council, was recognized for her advocacy for working families and seniors, as well as her contributions to affordable housing, economic development, and expanding sports programming in the District.
Keynote speaker Jamie Raskin, who represents Maryland’s 8th Congressional District, noted his deep ties to Washington, D.C., and his longstanding partnership with Norton.
“It has been an honor for me to work with Eleanor Holmes Norton for statehood for Washington, D.C., on the House floor,” Raskin said.
A strong supporter of D.C. statehood, Raskin credited residents for pursuing the effort “the right way.”
“You guys [D.C. Democrats] had a constitutional convention. You wrote your constitution. You have protection from Congress, and we should admit Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, as the 51st state of the union,” he said.
With the evening’s celebratory tone, attendees responded with sustained applause to Raskin’s remarks, particularly his tribute to Norton.
“I’m going to miss you,” he said. “Generations to come will marvel at the successes that you have had, and I hope that your successor will continue to fight hard for statehood for Washington, D.C.”
Eastern High School opened the program with a presentation of colors by the JROTC and performances by the Northeast school’s choir and the Rev. Thomas L. Bowen delivered an invocation that framed the evening’s purpose.
“May this evening inspire us, may these conversations strengthen us, and may the work ahead not weary us,” Bowen said. “And when history writes the story of this generation, may it be said that we did justice, loved mercy, and walked rightly with our God.”
The evening closed with “Lock It” moves to the sounds of the Push Play Go-Go Band.
“I’m so proud of the organization for continuing to raise the bar to make the Kennedys-King Dinner the must-go-to event in the District,” Wilson said.
