2015 Council of the District of Columbia special election

US election 2015 Council of the District of Columbia special elections District of Columbia legislative no 2014 Council of the District of Columbia election 2014 2016 Council of the District of Columbia election 2016 2 of the 13 seats in the Council of the District of Columbia 7 April 28, 2015 Phil Mendelson.jpg Phil Mendelson District of Columbia Democratic State Committee 11 11 David Grosso MadisonDC Video.png David Grosso Independent 2 2 The 2015 Council of the District of Columbia special election was held on April 28, 2015, to elect two members of the Council of the District of Columbia. The special elections were held to fill two vacancies on the Council. Voters in Wards 4 and 8 selected successors for newly-elected mayor Muriel Bowser and the late Marion Barry, respectively.Sommer Will 2014-12-08 Candidates Declare for Ward 4, Ward 8 Seats https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/342053/candidates-declare-for-ward-4-ward-8-seats/ 2026-06-06 Washington City Paper en-US All candidates, regardless of party affiliation, appear on one ballot in the special election. The individual who receives a plurality of votes is the winning candidate. In both races, thirteen candidates mounted bids. Out of those 13 (in both races), only one candidate was a non-Democrat. Brandon Todd and LaRuby May, both Democrats and allies of mayor Muriel Bowser, were elected to fill the seats in Wards 4 and 8.Davis Aaron C. Hauslohner Abigail 2015-04-28 Bowser protege Brandon Todd wins Ward 4 seat; Ward 8 too close to call https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-voters-go-to-polls-to-fill-bowser-barry-council-seats/2015/04/28/22c91fac-ed65-11e4-a55f-38924fca94f9_story.html 2026-06-06 The Washington Post en-US 0190-8286LaRuby May Unofficially Wins Ward 8 With 79 Votes https://dcist.com/story/15/05/11/laruby-may-unofficially-wins-ward-8/ 2026-06-06 DCist en Ward 4 2015 Council of the District of Columbia Ward 4 special election Flag of the District of Columbia.svg presidential 2012 Council of the District of Columbia election#Ward 4 2012 2016 Council of the District of Columbia election#Ward 4 2016 April 28, 2015 District of Columbia Democratic State Committee Brandon Todd Inauguration 2017.jpg Brandon Todd 4,584 42.8% Renee_Bowser_at_Ward_4_Dems_Debate_2012.png District of Columbia Democratic State Committee Renee Bowser 2,311 21.6% Leon_Andrews_with_Sonny_Perdue_2017.jpg District of Columbia Democratic State Committee Leon Andrews 1,613 15.0% 3x4.svg District of Columbia Democratic State Committee Dwayne Toliver 1,297 12.1% 3x4.svg District of Columbia Democratic State Committee Ron Austin 185 1.7% 3x4.svg District of Columbia Democratic State Committee Edwin Powell 132 1.2% Councilmember vacant Brandon Todd Democratic Muriel Bowser was first elected to represent Ward 4 on the Council in a 2007 special election, and was reelected in 2008 and 2012. In 2014, she ran for mayor and won, challenging incumbent Vince Gray.DeBonis Mike Davis Aaron C. 2014-11-05 Bowser is elected D.C. mayor, defeating independents Catania and Schwartz https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-mayoral-candidates-bowser-catania-schwartz-await-voters-decision/2014/11/04/494fe0d6-533f-11e4-892e-602188e70e9c_story.html 2026-06-07 The Washington Post en-US 0190-8286Fischer Jonathan L 2012-11-07 Here's Who Won All the Local Races https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/346901/heres-who-won-all-the-local-races/ 2026-06-07 Washington City Paper en-US She resigned from her councilmember position in January 2015, leaving the position vacant for roughly four months. Brandon Todd, a protege of Bowser, emerged as the frontrunner in the race to replace his old boss. Touting his endorsement from Bowser, Todd raised a whopping $50,000 in the three days following his candidacy announcement.Sommer Will 2015-02-03 Bowser's Pick Blows Out Ward 4 Competition in Fundraising https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/341778/bowsers-pick-blows-out-ward-4-competition-in-fundraising/ 2026-06-07 Washington City Paper en-US During the race, Todd advertised his close relationship with Bowser, arguing he was the only candidate who could pick up the phone and discuss the Ward's needs with the new mayor.Sommer Will 2015-04-23 Mr. Todd’s Wild Ride: Muriel Bowser’s Candidate Coasts in Ward 4 https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/341307/mr-todds-wild-ride-muriel-bowsers-candidate-coasts-in-ward-4/ 2026-06-07 Washington City Paper en-US Todd, however, did not exactly cruise to victory: his campaign had its share of stumbles. For example, when asked during a debate to name a historical figure he admired, Todd reportedly took to Google's search engine to help him answer the question.Mathis-Lilley Ben 2015-04-24 Politician Caught Googling “Historical Figure” After Being Asked to Name Admired Historical Figure https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2015/04/brandon-todd-historical-figure-google-caught-using-phone-during-debate.html 2026-06-07 Slate en-US 1091-2339 His campaign did not comment on the matter. Todd was heavily favored not only because he was the handpicked successor of Bowser, but also because the "anti-Bowser vote" was split between multiple candidates. The progressive Renee Bowser, of no relation to the mayor, had challenged the now-mayor multiple times for the Ward 4 position on the Council, but to no avail.Kurzius Rachel A Bowser (No, Not *That* Bowser) Throws Her Hat Into The Ring For Ward 4 Seat https://dcist.com/story/19/12/05/a-bowser-no-not-that-bowser-throws-her-hat-into-the-ring-for-ward-4-seat/ 2026-06-07 DCist en Leon Andrews, an urban planner, was seen as another chief opponent to Todd, the Bowser candidate.Sommer Will 2015-04-23 Mr. Todd’s Wild Ride: Muriel Bowser’s Candidate Coasts in Ward 4 https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/341307/mr-todds-wild-ride-muriel-bowsers-candidate-coasts-in-ward-4/ 2026-06-07 Washington City Paper en-US Dwayne Toliver, an attorney garnered the late endorsement of ex-mayor Vince Gray, the then-incumbent Bowser challenged and unseated in 2014.Sadon Rachel Former Mayor Vincent Gray Endorses Toliver In Ward 4 https://dcist.com/story/15/04/16/former-mayor-vincent-gray-endorses/ 2026-06-07 DCist en Doug Sloan, vice president of the Washington, D.C. NAACP branch and former chairman of ANC 4B, dropped out of the race to consolidate the anti-Todd and therefore anti-Bowser vote.Hughes Sarah Anne 2015-04-15 Listen: Ward 4 Candidates Target Mayor's Pick at Loose Lips Debate https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/341356/listen-ward-4-candidates-target-mayors-pick-at-loose-lips-debate/ 2026-06-07 Washington City Paper en-US In the April special election, Todd garnered nearly 4,600 votes, topping his closest opponent, Renee Bowser, by nearly 2,300 votes.DCBOE Election Results https://electionresults.dcboe.org/election_results/2015-Special-Election 2026-06-07 electionresults.dcboe.org Candidates Acqunetta Anderson (Democratic), ANC commissioner from 4A01Mogg Destinie LIMELIGHT – D. C. Council candidate Acqunetta Anderson fights for D. C. teachers – The DC Spotlight Newspaper – The Pulse of the City https://dcspotlight.com/limelight-d-c-council-candidate-acqunetta-anderson-fights-for-d-c-teachers/ 2026-06-07 The DC Spotlight Newspaper Leon Andrews (Democratic), National League of Cities executive Ron Austin (Democratic), former chair of ANC 4B2015-04-11 Ward 4 & Ward 8 Council candidates in D.C.’s April 28 special election https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/ward-4-and-ward-8-council-candidates-in-dcs-april-28-special-election/2015/04/11/e8fe174c-de27-11e4-a500-1c5bb1d8ff6a_story.html 2026-06-07 The Washington Post en-US 0190-8286 Renee Bowser (Democratic), UFCW staff attorney (no relation to mayor Muriel Bowser) Judi Jones, ANC commissioner from 4B07 2015-02-12 Judi Jones, candidate for Ward 4 City Council seat, talks education https://educationtownhall.org/2015/02/12/judi-jones-candidate-for-ward-4-city-council-seat-talks-education/ 2026-06-07 Education Town Hall Forum en Edwin Powell (Democratic), Howard University professor and member of the D.C. Commission on Human Rights Glova Scott (Independent), Walmart employee and community activist Bobvala Tengen, government consultant Brandon Todd (Democratic), former constituent services director to councilmember Muriel BowserHughes Sarah Anne 2015-03-26 Ward 4 Candidates Will Debate on April 13 at Petworth Citizen https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/341464/ward-4-candidates-will-debate-on-april-13-at-petworth-citizen/ 2026-06-07 Washington City Paper en-US Dwayne Toliver, real estate attorneySadon Rachel Former Mayor Vincent Gray Endorses Toliver In Ward 4 https://dcist.com/story/15/04/16/former-mayor-vincent-gray-endorses/ 2026-06-07 DCist en Did not qualify Bruce MorrisonSommer Will 2014-12-08 Candidates Declare for Ward 4, Ward 8 Seats https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/342053/candidates-declare-for-ward-4-ward-8-seats/ 2026-06-07 Washington City Paper en-US Withdrawn A.J. Cooper, former TV host and Marine Corps veteran (deceased)Austermuhle Martin A.J. Cooper, D.C. Council Candidate, Dies Suddenly At 34 https://wamu.org/story/14/12/03/aj_cooper_dc_council_candidate_dies_suddenly_at_34/ 2026-06-07 WAMU en Pedro Rubio Jr. (Democratic), federal contracting consultantDeBonis Mike 2015-02-03 Bowser-backed candidates hold big fundraising leads in D.C. Council races https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/bowser-backed-candidates-hold-big-fundraising-leads-in-dc-council-races/2015/02/03/c7bdfc80-abc0-11e4-9c91-e9d2f9fde644_story.html 2026-06-07 The Washington Post en-US 0190-8286 Doug Sloan (Democratic), political strategist and vice president of the Washington, D.C. NAACP branch 2015-04-13 Doug Sloan withdraws from Ward 4 Council race https://www.petworthnews.org/blog/petworth-news-april-13-2015-at-0712pm 2026-06-07 Petworth News en-US Endorsements Brandon Todd Local officials Yvette Alexander, member the Council of the District of Columbia from Ward 7 (2007-2017)Bowser Campaigns for Todd, May https://afro.com/bowser-campaigns-for-todd-may/ AFRO American Newspapers February 5, 2015 June 7, 2026 Muriel Bowser, mayor of the District of Columbia (2015-present) and former member of the Council of the District of Columbia from Ward 4 (2007-2015) Linda Cropp, former chair of the Council of the District of Columbia (1997-2007) and at-large councilmember (1991-1997)Cornish Stephanie 2015-04-16 Ward 8 Race Heads into Final Days https://afro.com/ward-8-race-heads-into-final-days/ 2026-06-07 AFRO American Newspapers en-US Charlene Drew Jarvis, former member of the Council of the District of Columbia from Ward 4 (1979-2001) Bill Lightfoot, former member of the Council of the District of Columbia from the at-large district (1989-1997) Organizations Gertrude Stein Democratic ClubRiley Josh Todd routs competition in bid for Stein endorsement https://www.metroweekly.com/2015/04/todd-routs-competition-in-bid-for-stein-endorsement/ 18 August 2026 Metro Weekly 8 April 2015 Sierra ClubThe D.C. Chapter of the Sierra Club is pleased to announce endorsements in the April 28, 2015 special election. https://www.sierraclub.org/dc/blog/2015/03/dc-chapter-sierra-club-pleased-announce-endorsements-april-28-2015-special-election Sierra Club District of Columbia 18 August 2026 9 March 2015 Publications The Washington PostEditorial Board Endorsements for the D.C. Council special election https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/endorsements-for-the-dc-council-special-election/2015/04/12/0ce88eca-dfb4-11e4-be40-566e2653afe5_story.html 18 August 2026 The Washington Post 12 April 2015 Dwayne Toliver ;Local officials Vince Gray, former mayor of the District of Columbia (2011-2015) General Election 2015 Council of the District of Columbia Ward 4 special election Democratic Party (United States) Brandon Todd 4,584 42.82% Democratic Party (United States) Renee Bowser 2,311 21.59% Democratic Party (United States) Leon Andrews 1,613 15.07% Democratic Party (United States) Dwayne Toliver 1,297 12.11% Democratic Party (United States) Ron Austin 185 1.73% Democratic Party (United States) Edwin Powell 132 1.23% Democratic Party (United States) Judi Jones 119 1.11% Democratic Party (United States) Acqunetta Anderson 117 1.09% Democratic Party (United States) Bobvala Tengen 91 0.85% Democratic Party (United States) Gwenellen Corley-Bowman 73 0.69% Democratic Party (United States) Douglass Sloan (withdrawn) 55 0.51% Independent Glova Scott 53 0.50% Democratic Party (United States) Pedro Rubio Jr. (withdrawn) 37 0.35% 38 0.35% 10,706 100% Ward 8 2015 Council of the District of Columbia Ward 8 special election Flag of the District of Columbia.svg presidential 2012 Council of the District of Columbia election#Ward 8 2012 2016 Council of the District of Columbia election#Ward 8 2016 April 28, 2015 District of Columbia Democratic State Committee 3x4.svg LaRuby May 1,955 26.9% Trayon White.png District of Columbia Democratic State Committee Trayon White 1,877 26.0% 3x4.svg District of Columbia Democratic State Committee Sheila Bunn 741 10.1% 3x4.svg District of Columbia Democratic State Committee Eugene Kinlow 693 9.5% 3x4.svg District of Columbia Democratic State Committee Natalie Williams 683 9.4% 3x4.svg District of Columbia Democratic State Committee Marion C. Barry 554 7.6% Councilmember vacant LaRuby May Democratic Marion Barry, a renowned former mayor-turned-councilmember died in office on November 23, 2014.DeBonis Mike Weil Martin November 23, 2014 Marion Barry dies hours after release from brief hospitalization https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/marion-barry-is-released-from-dc-hospital-after-two-day-stay/2014/11/22/d254b7b2-72c0-11e4-8808-afaa1e3a33ef_story.html June 18, 2016 The Washington Post Barry's death, a legendary politico from Ward 8, created a power vacuum in the long-underserved council district, the only at the time to be entirely east of the Anacostia River.Keyes Allison 2014-11-23 Former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry Dies https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2014/11/23/366059452/former-d-c-mayor-marion-barry-dies 2026-06-08 NPR en According to The Washington Post, former Ward 8 representative on the D.C. State Board of Education Trayon White, was one of the many candidates considering a bid to replace Barry.DeBonis Mike December 16, 2014 Marion Barry's son, and many others, contemplate filling his Ward 8 Council seat https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/marion-barrys-son-and-many-others-contemplate-filling-his-ward-8-council-seat/2014/12/16/bae9694e-7fac-11e4-8882-03cf08410beb_story.html June 18, 2016 The Washington Post In fact, the Post reported Barry called White in the hours between his release from Howard University Hospital and his death, urging the young activist and community leader to pick up Barry's mantle. Initially, White lagged in fundraising and struggled to compete financially with his fellow candidates. Regardless, the Washington City Paper reported that White was a likely leading candidate in the race, resembling the "youthful agitator" that once was Marion Barry. Upon the senior Barry's death, Christopher Barry, announced his bid to succeed his late father on the Council. The Washington Post considered the junior Barry to be an early frontrunner in the race.DeBonis Mike December 17, 2014 Swarming to fill seat in Ward 8 The Washington Post B1 Barry appeared on the ballot as Marion C. Barry. According to the City Paper, the senior Barry had originally planned to resign from his seat and help his son, Christopher, ascend to the Council. Barry died, however, and was unable to help his son, especially as his special election campaign crumbled and faltered due to fundraising issues and then-pending criminal charges for breaking a security camera at a bank.Davis Aaron C. Hauslohner Abigail 2015-04-28 Bowser protege Brandon Todd wins Ward 4 seat; Ward 8 too close to call https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-voters-go-to-polls-to-fill-bowser-barry-council-seats/2015/04/28/22c91fac-ed65-11e4-a55f-38924fca94f9_story.html 2026-06-08 The Washington Post en-US 0190-8286 Despite his ever-helpful name, Marion. C Barry notched only 554 votes in the election, earning sixth place. Other candidates included United Medical Center spokeswoman and estranged Barry staffer Natalie Williams, federal affairs lobbyist Eugene Kinlow, and former ANC 8E chair Sandra Seegars. White's strongest competitor, LaRuby May, was the most robust fundraiser of the pack. By March, she raised roughly $227,000 more in funds than White, and received the endorsement of her former boss mayor Muriel Bowser.Sommer Will April 16, 2015 Gray Endorses Ward 4 Candidate With a Dig at Bowser Favorite http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/looselips/page/5/?repeat=w3tc dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160304041852/http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/looselips/page/5/?repeat=w3tc March 4, 2016 May 11, 2015 Washington City Paper May's gargantuan fundraising advantage, however, only barely pulled her over the finish line. Preliminary results showed May with a slight, 152 vote lead over White.Davis Aaron C. Hauslohner Abigail April 29, 2015 Protege of Bowser's wins seat in Ward 4 The Washington Post B1 As the final votes were counted, that margin slimmed down to a mere 78 votes.Hauslohner Abigail May 9, 2015 Bowser ally May wins Ward 8 seat The Washington Post B4 White initially asked for a recount, though later asked the Board of Elections to suspend the recount. White instead pursued the seat in the 2016 Council election.Sommer Will February 8, 2016 Trayon White Wants Another Shot at Ward 8 Seat http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/news/loose-lips/blog/13135741/trayon-white-wants-another-shot-at-ward-8-seat June 18, 2016 Washington City Paper Candidates Marion C. Barry (Democratic), construction company executive and son of the late former mayor and councilmember Marion BarrySommer Will 2015-04-24 Up in the Heir https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/200263/up-in-the-heir-ward-8-picks-marion-barrys-successor/ 2026-06-07 Washington City Paper en-US Sheila Bunn (Democratic), former chief of staff to Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton Greta Fuller (Democratic), engineer and ANC commissioner from 8A06 Eugene Kinlow (Democratic), federal affairs lobbyist LaRuby May (Democratic), District of Columbia Housing Authority commissioner and former Muriel Bowser campaign stafferDeBonis Mike 2014-04-05 While Bowser plays down her ties to Fenty, her inner circle includes many Fenty supporters https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/while-bowser-plays-down-her-ties-to-fenty-her-inner-circle-includes-many-fenty-supporters/2014/04/05/232b0886-bc1d-11e3-9a05-c739f29ccb08_story.html 2026-06-07 The Washington Post en-US 0190-8286 Anthony Muhammad (Democratic), former ANC commissioner Sandra Seegars (Democratic), former ANC 8E chair Keita Vanterpool (Independent), chiropractor Leonard Watson Sr. (Democratic), former outreach staffer for former mayor Vince Gray'* Trayon White, former member of the District of Columbia State Board of Education from Ward 8 (2011-2014) Natalie Williams (Democratic), United Medical Center spokesperson and former staffer to Marion BarryBlack Reginald April 20, 2015 Luck of the Dice: The Ward 8 Special Election https://streetsensemedia.org/article/southeast-ward-8-candidates/ 2026-06-07 Street Sense Media en-US Withdrawn Jauhar Abraham (Democratic), community activistSommer Will 2015-05-07 Count on It: The Ward 8 Special Election Goes Into Overtime https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/341222/count-on-it-the-ward-8-special-election-goes-into-overtime/ 2026-06-07 Washington City Paper en-US (endorsed White) Stuart Anderson (Democratic), non-profit executive (endorsed White) Endorsements Marion C. Barry ;Local officials Jim Graham, former member of the Council of the District of Columbia from Ward 1 (1999-2015) Sheila Bunn ;Local officials Vince Gray, former mayor of the District of Columbia (1999-2015) Sommer Will February 23, 2015 Washington City Paper http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/looselips/2015/02/23/jim-graham-backs-marion-c-barry-in-ward-8-race/ Jim Graham Backs Marion C. Barry in Ward 8 Race April 21, 2015 Eugene Kinlow ;Organizations Sierra Club LaRuby May Labor unions AFL-CIO Metropolitan Washington Council SEIU Local officials Muriel Bowser, mayor of the District of Columbia (2015-present) Brianne Nadeau, member of the Council of the District of Columbia from Ward 1 (2015-present)http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/looselips/2015/01/29/ward-1s-nadeau-backs-ex-bowser-staffer-for-ward-8-seat/ Sommer Will Ward 1′s Nadeau Backs Ex-Bowser Staffer for Ward 8 Seat Washington City Paper January 29, 2015 May 11, 2015 Sandy Allen, former member of the Council of the District of Columbia from Ward 8 (1997-2005) Eydie Whittington, former member of the Council of the District of Columbia from Ward 8 (1995-1997) Arrington Dixon, former chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia (1979-1983) Organizations DC National Organization for Women Gertrude Stein Democratic Clubhttp://www.metroweekly.com/2015/03/laruby-may-runs-away-with-stein-endorsement-in-ward-8-race/ Riley John LaRuby May runs away with Stein endorsement in Ward 8 race Metro Weekly March 25, 2015 May 10, 2015 National Nurses United Publications The Washington Post Trayon White Individuals Jauhar Abraham, community activist and former candidate for this seat Stuart Anderson, non-profit executive and former candidate for this seat Local officials Karl Racine, attorney general of the District of Columbia (2015-2023)Cornish Stephanie May 7, 2015 AFRO American Newspapers https://afro.com/d-c-s-ward-8-run-off-continues-white-to-may-its-not-over-laruby/ D.C.’s Ward 8 Run-off Continues: White to May: ‘It’s Not Over LaRuby’ June 8, 2026 Nate Fleming, former shadow representative from the District of Columbia (2013-2015) Organizations Jews United for Justice Washington Teachers' Union General Election 2015 Council of the District of Columbia Ward 8 special election Democratic Party (United States) LaRuby May 1,955 26.9% Democratic Party (United States) Trayon White 1,877 25.8% Democratic Party (United States) Sheila Bunn 741 10.1% Democratic Party (United States) Eugene Kinlow 693 9.5% Democratic Party (United States) Natalie Williams 683 9.4% Democratic Party (United States) Marion C. Barry 554 7.6% Democratic Party (United States) Sandra Seegars 331 4.6% Democratic Party (United States) Anthony Muhammad 123 1.7% Democratic Party (United States) Leonard Watson Sr. 123 1.7% Democratic Party (United States) Greta Fuller 100 1.4% Independent Keita Vanderpool 46 0.6% 23 0.3% Democratic Party (United States) Jauhar Abraham (withdrawn) 17 0.2% Democratic Party (United States) Stuart Anderson (withdrawn) 10 0.1% 7,276 100.00% References Category:Council of the District of Columbia elections District of Columbia Category:2015 elections in Washington, D.C. Category:Special elections in Washington, D.C.