Voting for the June 16 Democratic and Special Election is now underway across the District and here in Ward 8. We've got you covered on everything you need to vote to have a successful voting experience.
We've relaunched the Ward8Votes campaign to help residents develop a plan for voting. We are also encouraging voters to share stories and videos telling us why they vote. Tag us and we will share across all of our platforms. See you on the hashtag #Ward8Votes.
We've relaunched the Ward8Votes campaign to help residents develop a plan for voting. We are also encouraging voters to share stories and videos telling us why they vote. Tag us and we will share across all of our platforms. See you on the hashtag #Ward8Votes.
Ward 8 Democrats Congratulate Janeese Lewis George and Robert
White Jr.; Await Final RCV Results in Remaining Contests
Ward 8 Democrats President Troy Donte’ Prestwood issued the following statement congratulating Councilmember Janeese Lewis George on winning the Democratic nomination for Mayor of the District of Columbia:
“On behalf of the Ward 8 Democrats Executive Committee, I want to congratulate Councilmember Janeese Lewis George on her decisive victory in becoming the Democratic nominee for Mayor of the District of Columbia.
“Lewis George ran an incredible campaign across the city, building a strong coalition of young voters, young-at-heart voters, native Washingtonians, new residents, progressives, moderates, and people who were ready for something new and different in the District.
“She offered a bold vision for the future — one that asked voters to dream bigger, demand more, and believe that government can make a real difference in their everyday lives. Voters across the city, including right here in Ward 8, responded with clear conviction.
“We would be remiss if we did not note that in the Ward 8 Democrats ranked choice straw poll simulation, Lewis George also won decisively, with results that closely mirrored the citywide outcome. Once again, Ward 8 voters showed that they are paying attention and know who is speaking to the future they want for their ward and the city.
“Janeese spoke directly to the hopes and needs of Ward 8 voters — safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, strong schools, good-paying careers, and a city that does not leave our communities behind.
“This victory shows that Ward 8 should be at the forefront, not in the background, of any serious conversation about moving the District forward.
“We also congratulate Councilmember Robert White Jr. on his decisive victory to become the Democratic nominee for Delegate to Congress. He also decisively won the Ward 8 Democrats' ranked-choice straw poll, closely mirroring the citywide outcome. His win marks a generational shift and brings new hope and urgency to the fight for the District’s voice, rights, and full representation on Capitol Hill.
“Votes continue to be counted in the Democratic State Committee contests and in the at-large Council race, where several strong candidates remain in contention, including candidates with deep Ward 8 roots. A fuller picture is expected as the DC Board of Elections completes additional ranked choice voting tabulation.
“Finally, we want to thank every Ward 8 voter who cast a ballot by mail, used a ballot drop box or showed up in person at an early or election day vote center. You stood up against mis- and disinformation and proved the distractors wrong by engaging in the political process. We also want to thank each of the candidates who invested time, energy, resources, and campaign dollars into Ward 8 voters. Whether you knocked on doors, held meetings, joined forums, or supported voter education and GOTV efforts, your presence mattered
.
“Ward 8 does not ask for special recognition. We simply ask to be acknowledged, engaged, and treated as a community worth fighting for.
“This election made one thing clear: Ward 8 voters are not on the sidelines. We are helping to shape the future of this city.”
“On behalf of the Ward 8 Democrats Executive Committee, I want to congratulate Councilmember Janeese Lewis George on her decisive victory in becoming the Democratic nominee for Mayor of the District of Columbia.
“Lewis George ran an incredible campaign across the city, building a strong coalition of young voters, young-at-heart voters, native Washingtonians, new residents, progressives, moderates, and people who were ready for something new and different in the District.
“She offered a bold vision for the future — one that asked voters to dream bigger, demand more, and believe that government can make a real difference in their everyday lives. Voters across the city, including right here in Ward 8, responded with clear conviction.
“We would be remiss if we did not note that in the Ward 8 Democrats ranked choice straw poll simulation, Lewis George also won decisively, with results that closely mirrored the citywide outcome. Once again, Ward 8 voters showed that they are paying attention and know who is speaking to the future they want for their ward and the city.
“Janeese spoke directly to the hopes and needs of Ward 8 voters — safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, strong schools, good-paying careers, and a city that does not leave our communities behind.
“This victory shows that Ward 8 should be at the forefront, not in the background, of any serious conversation about moving the District forward.
“We also congratulate Councilmember Robert White Jr. on his decisive victory to become the Democratic nominee for Delegate to Congress. He also decisively won the Ward 8 Democrats' ranked-choice straw poll, closely mirroring the citywide outcome. His win marks a generational shift and brings new hope and urgency to the fight for the District’s voice, rights, and full representation on Capitol Hill.
“Votes continue to be counted in the Democratic State Committee contests and in the at-large Council race, where several strong candidates remain in contention, including candidates with deep Ward 8 roots. A fuller picture is expected as the DC Board of Elections completes additional ranked choice voting tabulation.
“Finally, we want to thank every Ward 8 voter who cast a ballot by mail, used a ballot drop box or showed up in person at an early or election day vote center. You stood up against mis- and disinformation and proved the distractors wrong by engaging in the political process. We also want to thank each of the candidates who invested time, energy, resources, and campaign dollars into Ward 8 voters. Whether you knocked on doors, held meetings, joined forums, or supported voter education and GOTV efforts, your presence mattered
.
“Ward 8 does not ask for special recognition. We simply ask to be acknowledged, engaged, and treated as a community worth fighting for.
“This election made one thing clear: Ward 8 voters are not on the sidelines. We are helping to shape the future of this city.”
Live World Premiere:
Ward 8 Dems' 2026 Candidate Forum -
Tuesday, June 9 at 7 pm.
The Scene at our 2026 Candidate Forum & Straw Poll
Check out the photos — you might see someone you know, or maybe even yourself.
Thank you to everyone who came out, participated, volunteered, supported the forum, and helped make this important civic moment possible for Ward 8 voters.
Please credit Ward 8 Democrats online and on social media if you use or share any of the photos.
Thank you to everyone who came out, participated, volunteered, supported the forum, and helped make this important civic moment possible for Ward 8 voters.
Please credit Ward 8 Democrats online and on social media if you use or share any of the photos.
2026 Straw Poll Results
| 2026 Straw Poll Raw Data File |
The Ward 8 Democrats are pleased to release the results of our 2026 Straw Poll, which included all contests appearing on the June 16 Democratic Primary and Special Election ballot for Ward 8 voters.
The Straw Poll provided residents with an opportunity to engage in the electoral process, learn about Ranked Choice Voting, and hear directly from candidates seeking public office.
We thank the voters, candidates, campaigns, volunteers, and community partners who participated and helped make this event a success.
Please note that the results of the Ward 8 Democrats Straw Poll do not constitute an endorsement by the organization or its membership. The Straw Poll is intended solely as a voter education and engagement exercise.
As Election Day approaches, we encourage all Ward 8 voters to review their ballots carefully, learn about the candidates and issues, and make a plan to vote. Ballots may be cast by mail, during early voting, or on Election Day, June 16.
Democracy is strongest when voters are informed, engaged, and active participants in the process.
The Straw Poll provided residents with an opportunity to engage in the electoral process, learn about Ranked Choice Voting, and hear directly from candidates seeking public office.
We thank the voters, candidates, campaigns, volunteers, and community partners who participated and helped make this event a success.
Please note that the results of the Ward 8 Democrats Straw Poll do not constitute an endorsement by the organization or its membership. The Straw Poll is intended solely as a voter education and engagement exercise.
As Election Day approaches, we encourage all Ward 8 voters to review their ballots carefully, learn about the candidates and issues, and make a plan to vote. Ballots may be cast by mail, during early voting, or on Election Day, June 16.
Democracy is strongest when voters are informed, engaged, and active participants in the process.
