DC Women in Politics completed its candidate debates for the June 16, 2026 Primary and Special Election, and voting process involving women candidates running for the Mayor of the District of Columbia, DC City Council seats for Ward 1, At-Large Member (general election), At-Large Member (special election), and Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.

DC voters participate in the preference poll after hearing directly from candidates at the DCWIP debates whether in person or on our livestream. DC Women in Politics is pleased to announce that the following candidates have won the 2026 Primary Preference Poll:

• Janeese Lewis George for Mayor
• Aparna Raj for Ward 1 Member of the DC City Council
• Lisa Raymond for At-Large Member of the DC City Council (Primary)
• Elissa Silverman for At-Large Member of the DC City Council (Special Election)
• Kinney Zalesne for Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives

Now in its 14th year, the DC Women in Politics Preference Poll has provided DC voters with an opportunity to hear directly from women candidates and express their views about which candidate they believe will best represent the interests of women in public office.

“For 14 years, approximately 80 percent of the women who have won the DC Women in Politics Preference Poll have gone on to win their elections,” said Anita Bellamy Shelton, Chair of DC Women in Politics. “That record reflects the thoughtful engagement of DC voters who participate in our forums making the preference poll a serious and reliable indicator in local elections.”

DC Women in Politics thanks all the candidates who participated, and the many voters who contributed to this year’s preference poll.

Media Contact
Anita Bellamy Shelton
Chair, DC Women in Politics
[email protected]