From a press release:
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Ward 1 and the District for the past 11 years as Councilmember, and before that as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner. Together, in the most vibrant and diverse Ward in DC, we have built affordable housing, ended homelessness for thousands of residents, expanded childcare, improved our schools, built new parks, supported our youth and seniors, fought for our immigrant neighbors, addressed public safety comprehensively, and made investments in every neighborhood in Ward 1. And while there is still so much more to do, I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together.
I have made the very difficult decision not to seek a fourth term as Councilmember. I have always believed that these positions should not be lifetime appointments. That those in leadership should cultivate others to carry on the work. It’s not easy to step away, especially at such a difficult time for our community and our country. But I do believe that it is the right time for me, for my family, and for Ward 1.
This will be the first time in 43 years that Ward 1 has had an open seat, and we should expect there will be an exceptionally crowded field of candidates. I am proud to have worked so hard to fund Ranked Choice Voting in the fiscal year 2026 budget so that voters in Ward 1 will be able to rank the candidates based on their own preferences, ensuring the candidate with the strongest support across our community represents us.
In the coming weeks I will announce my support for a candidate who is a proud progressive Democrat with a proven track record in local government, who has worked with Councilmembers and the Mayor to get things done, and is deeply rooted in the community. She knows what it’s like to struggle in a low wage job, has fought for affordable housing in our community, and has spent her career focused on early childhood education. I hope you’ll rank her as your top choice too.
I’m grateful to so many of you who knew I was considering this tough choice and offered me gratitude and encouragement. And I’m grateful to all those who came before me, and whose shoulders I stood on as I did this important work.
I have deep confidence that the people of Ward 1 will continue, as we always have, to fight for justice, support our neighbors, and stand up for our Ward 1 values. I look forward to serving the remainder of my term through 2026 in partnership with all of you. Now, let’s get back to work!”