Mixed reactions to Trayon White’s re-election in Ward 8 as DC investigates potential ethics violations

Voters expecting election chaos were pleasantly surprised yesterday morning. Greeted by upbeat and encouraging volunteers, poll workers, and a smooth voting process. 

Carla Brannum described poll workers at Fort Stanton Recreation Center as “dependable” and said she was just happy to “vote without nonsense, no paper fires, no once scratching each other.” 

Carla was referring to reports of ballot boxes that were set on fire in Oregon last week. 

Many voters we spoke to were concerned with national elections, but voters still turned out to vote for local down-ballot issues. Ward 8 voters chose to stick with embattled councilmember Tryaon White. With over 17,000 votes, about 75% of Ward 8 voters, Councilmember White clenched a victory by the end of the night for his re-election bid. 

Residents we spoke to shared mixed reactions to Trayon White’s re-election. 

Edward Ford, a longtime supporter of White and volunteer for the campaign, said, “Councilmember White is walking in the shadow of Mayor Marion Barry,” something we’ve heard before from Ward 8 residents and one that has a basis in history.

Edward said Trayon White is advocating for the people. “The FBI came against Marion Barry because he was an advocate for his people.” 

The civil rights movement From which Marion Barry came is littered with figures the government effectively targeted. 

Ermias Woldu, a D.C. resident of nine years and first-time voter, said that even though our city is divided up by wards, we are still one city. Ward 8 residents should be supported by the rest of the city as the case surrounding White unfolds. 

That’s why he voted for Initiative 83, saying that having more voting options might bring greater accountability among elected officials,  “down the road with Initiative 83, with people having more options, people might not do corruption.” 

But in a part of the district that often doesn’t receive the attention and care it deserves, having a city leader like a council member who remains as present in that community as White garners substantial support shouldn’t be a surprise. 

“His record remains strong of how he shows up in the ward and how everyone knows him because he always shows up. He supports people, he makes people feel seen and heard, and that is probably the powerful thing a candidate can do, especially outside of election season,” said Sandy Patel, who works in Ward 8. 

Despite facing a federal bribery charge, DC Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White has easily won reelection. I spoke to White earlier tonight, he says this should send a message to the DC Council that it should not vote to expel him. pic.twitter.com/6Ylb1uCScJ

— Tom Roussey (@tomroussey7news) November 6, 2024

The D.C. council ad hoc committee leading an independent investigation of White could restrict White’s power and political influence or remove him from his seat, effectively rejecting the voters’ election day. Their decision is expected to be announced next month. 

Voters in Ward 8 echoed sentiments heard across the country. The issues that guided the voters we talked to were reproductive rights, the economy, and ending the tensions and violence that seem to have animated politics and everyday life in this country over the last 8 years. 

“I hope that we can reach some sort of unity as a country. I hope that we can accept the outcome of the elections without violence,” said Magean Hayes, who we spoke to at Arthur Capper Recreation Center

According to the D.C. Board of Elections, about 26% of Ward 8 residents attended the polls. In a ranked ballot, Councilmember White would not have necessarily won a re-election bid, and voters in Ward 8 would theoretically have more options in candidates to vote for, meaning Candidates would have to work harder for D.C. residents’ votes.