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Conversation with Ward 8 Councilmember-Elect
Trayon White

Join us for a special July meeting of the Ward 8 Democrats featuring a live conversation with Ward 8 Councilmember-elect Trayon White. This is your chance to hear directly from the councilmember-elect about his priorities, plans, and the journey ahead. Submit questions ahead of time during the registration process. 

📅 Saturday, July 19, 2025
🕛 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
🔗 Register Here! 

You don’t want to miss this opportunity to engage, ask questions, and stay connected to the future of Ward 8 leadership.
Stay tuned for updates at www.ward8dems.com

Statement on the Results of the
Ward 8 Special Election 

Ward 8 Democrats President Troy Donte' Prestwood issued the following statement on the special election results for Ward 8 Council:

We want to congratulate Councilmember-elect Trayon White on winning the 2025 Ward 8 Special Election, recapturing the seat stripped from him by the DC Council back in early February. The DC Board of Elections will certify the vote on August 8 and we expect the councilmember to be sworn in and seated on the council shortly thereafter. 

We want to thank every voter who made their voice heard—whether by mailing in your ballot, dropping it in a secure drop box, or visiting an early voting or Election Day vote center. Because of your participation, Ward 8 will soon have a councilmember to serve and advocate for our community in the District's legislative body. We would like to thank the DC Board of Elections' Vote Center workers, staff, and volunteers for conducting a well-run election in our ward.

We also want to acknowledge the other campaigns. To each candidate who stepped up to run: thank you for leading respectful, clean, and spirited campaigns. While your bids may have come up short this cycle, your platforms, including those focused on housing, healthcare, public safety, education, and equitable access, remain vital to the future of our ward. Your voices—and those of your supporters—are still needed in the fight for Ward 8.

Now, we turn to the D.C. Council. The voters of Ward 8 have spoken—again. We call on Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and the other 12 members of the Council to immediately begin engaging Councilmember-elect White in the remaining FY26 budget deliberations. Though he may not be able to cast a vote just yet, his voice—and by extension, the voices of Ward 8 residents—must be at the table. It’s the right and democratic thing to do.

We look forward to working again with Councilmember-elect White and the entire Council to ensure Ward 8 continues to receive the attention, investment, and respect our community deserves.

— The Ward 8 Democrats

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Why They Voted!

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We have a special election to fill the vacant Ward 8 Council seat underway and we've got you covered on everything you need to vote to have a successful voting experience. We've launched 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.

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Where to Vote in Ward 8 

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Re-Watch: Ward 8 Council Candidates’ Forum 

The Ward 8 Democrats invite you to watch the premiere episode of our Council Candidates’ Forum. Recorded during our in-person event on June 21, 2025, this online event is part of our ongoing mission to help voters get ready for the 🗳️ Tuesday, July 15 Special Election. 🗳️
With early voting beginning this Friday, now is the time to hear directly from the candidates on the issues that matter most—from public safety to education, housing, and the future of Ward 8.📺 See Air Times Below:

• Thursday, July 10 at 7 PM
• Saturday, July 12 at 10 AM
• Sunday, July 13 at 7 PM
• Monday, July 14 at 7 PM

Watch live at: www.ward8dems.com
📲 Or tune in on Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter/X @Ward8Dems
We invite you to live post during the premiere — join the conversation with us and the candidates using #Ward8Votes.
Don’t miss this chance to get informed and inspired. Share with friends, neighbors, and your community!

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Scenes from the Ward 8 Democrats Candidate Forum and Straw Poll at Check-It Enterprises (Home of the Go-Go Museum)

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:: Download Program Book
:: PDF Version: Program Book

The Ward 8 Democrats held a vital community event ahead of the Ward 8 special election! Download the program book above to catch up on what you missed. 

Co-sponsored by the Capital Stonewall Democrats, the DC Democratic Black Caucus, and East of the River news, voters heard directly from the candidates running to fill the vacant Ward 8 Council seat. Lorenzo Hall, news anchor at WUSA9, moderated. 

🗳 Straw Poll Voting
All candidates appearing on the special election ballot were included in our straw poll, and write-ins were accepted. Registered Ward 8 Democrats (as listed in the DC Board of Elections or Democratic Party VAN as of June 21) were eligible to vote. 

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Board of Election Information
for the Ward 8 D.C. Council Special Election - July 15, 2025

• Election Calendar
• List of Candidates
• Write-In Candidates
• Ballot Order Lottery Result
  
• SAMPLE BALLOT
  
• Mail Ballot Drop Box Locations
  
• Early Vote Centers
• Election Day Vote Centers

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Sample Ward 8 Ballot

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Political Advertisements

Visit Mike Austin for Ward 8 Council 

Visit Sheila Bunn for Ward 8 Council

Results from the 2025 Special Election Straw Poll

Here are the results from our Ward 8 Dems straw poll! Thanks to Ward 8 voters who came out to support your candidate and vote in the straw poll. As a reminder, the results are NOT an official endorsement of any candidate. Remember to vote in the Special Election by July 15!