Janeese Lewis George Claims Momentum in DC Mayor Primary as Ranked-Choice Count Begins
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Janeese Lewis George moved quickly from gratitude to victory language on election night, telling supporters, “Tonight DC made its demand,” as early results showed her leading the District’s Democratic mayoral primary. But election officials warned that the first-rank count is only the opening step in DC’s new ranked-choice process, which means the final outcome may take days.
What Happened
Lewis George addressed supporters after initial results began rolling in, arguing that voters had sent a clear message about who should lead the city. “If there was ever any doubt, let it now be laid to rest,” she said, adding that “it is the people of DC who elect the mayor of DC.”
Her speech framed the race as a coalition built around working families, public servants, and longtime residents. She thanked donors, volunteers, campaign staff, and family members, saying the campaign had assembled “the most diverse coalition in this city’s history.”
At the same time, the Board of Elections said the district’s last six voting sites had closed only after the lines cleared, because DC law prevents results from being released until everyone in line votes. Officials also noted that this is the first citywide election using ranked-choice voting, so final results will take longer to count.
Why It Matters
This race is more than a mayoral contest. It is the first major test of DC’s ranked-choice system, which voters approved under Initiative 83 and used for the first time in citywide races this year.
Under that system, officials first count first-choice ballots. If no candidate wins a majority, the last-place candidate is eliminated and ballots are reallocated until someone clears 50 percent. That process, combined with mail and provisional ballots, makes a same-night winner unlikely.
The policy shift changes campaign strategy too. Candidates now need not only first-choice support, but also enough appeal to become second or third choices. That could reward broader coalitions and punish sharply negative campaigns, even as critics argue the process may confuse voters or delay certainty.
Results and Context
According to the first-rank results, Lewis George led the field with 50,260 votes, or 52.79 percent. Kenyan R. McDuffie followed with 34,816 votes, or 36.57 percent.
Other candidates trailed far behind in the first tally. Rini Sampath received 2.93 percent, Gary Goodweather 3 percent, Vincent Orange 2.73 percent, Hope Solomon 1.09 percent, Ernest E. Johnson 0.53 percent, and write-ins 0.36 percent.
Lewis George used her speech to connect the race to everyday workers across the city, naming postal workers, nurses, teachers, childcare workers, seniors, parents, and transit workers. “Tonight belongs to the postal worker on the early route,” she said, casting the result as a message from the people who keep the city running.
What’s Next
Election officials are expected to continue processing ranked-choice rounds before declaring a final winner. That means the leading first-choice candidate may not be the final victor if ballot transfers change the order in later rounds.
The broader political significance will go beyond one race. The outcome will help determine how quickly DC voters, campaigns, and election officials adjust to the city’s new voting system — and whether ranked choice becomes a trusted part of the District’s democracy.
For now, Lewis George’s speech gave supporters a reason to celebrate, while the official count keeps the race open.
