Why is the D.C. primary election so important?
Maya Cyrus, Fort DuPont in Southeast D.C.
“[District of Columbia Public Schools] operates under mayoral control, so what matters to me in this upcoming election is electing a leader who will expand resources and ensure equitable access to high-quality instruction and services for students and schools in every ward across the city. Also, it matters to me that we elect a leader who will seriously address the grocery gap in the city, doing whatever is necessary to increase access to grocery stores in Wards 7 and 8, and potentially championing the development of a grocery store on the East Capitol Street site left vacant by Walmart pulling out of the Capitol Gateway project. Finally, it matters to me that we have a mayor who will defend and respect the will of the citizens of Washington, D.C.— whether expressed through ballot initiatives or legislation passed by our duly elected members of the [D.C.] Council— rather than deferring to members of Congress who do not represent us and for whom we cannot vote. I expect the mayor to be a strong advocate for and defender of Home Rule.”
Anthony Lee Wright, Benning Ridge in Southeast D.C.
“This election is for the souls of the city. Kenyan McDuffie is best situated and prepared to take on the challenges that lay ahead.”
Jesse Rabinowitz, Shepherd Park in Northwest D.C.
“This is perhaps D.C.’s most vital primary in decades, because we are selecting a leader who will need to stand up to [President Donald] Trump while also making housing cheaper and keeping our communities safe and well.”
Compiled by Micha Green