2014 Council of the District of Columbia election
US Election
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The 2014 Council of the District of Columbia election was held on November 4, 2014, with primaries held on April 1. Elections were held in four of the eight wards, two at-large seats (one open to any party and one open to non-majority parties) as well as for the Chair of the Council of the District of Columbia. Prior to the election, 11 seats were held by Democrats and 2 seats were held by Independents. The general election saw no party flip any seats, thereby meaning that Democrats retained their majority on the council.[1]
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November 4, 2014
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6 seats on the Council of the District of Columbia 7 seats needed for a majority | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Background
The council is composed of thirteen members, each elected by district residents to a four-year term. One member is elected from each of the district's eight wards. Four at-large members represent the district as a whole. The chairman of the council is likewise elected at an at-large basis. The terms of the at-large members are staggered so that two are elected every two years, and each D.C. resident may vote for two different at-large candidates in each general election.
According to the Home Rule Act, of the chair and the at-large members, a maximum of three may be affiliated with the majority political party. In the council's electoral history, of the elected members who were not affiliated with the majority party, most were elected as at-large members. In 2008 and 2012, Democrats such as David Grosso, Elissa Silverman, and Michael A. Brown changed their party affiliation to Independent when running for council.
To become a candidate for council an individual must be resident of the District of Columbia for at least one year prior to the general election, a registered voter, and hold no other public office for which compensation beyond expenses is received. Candidates running for a ward position must be a resident of that ward.
Summary
Democrats remained the largest party on the council despite large turnover. At-large councilmember David Catania and Ward 6 councilmember Tommy Wells declined to run for re-election in favor of running for mayor, while Ward 1 councilmember Jim Graham lost his primary to Brianne Nadeau.
At-large
| Position | Incumbent | Candidates[1] | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member | Party | First elected |
Status | ||
| Chairperson | Phil Mendelson | Democratic | 2012 (special) | Incumbent re-elected. |
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| At-large | Anita Bonds | Democratic | 2013 (special) | Incumbent re-elected. |
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| David Catania | Independent | 2014 | Incumbent declined to run.
New member elected. | ||
Wards
| Position | Incumbent | Candidates[1] | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member | Party | First
elected |
Status | ||
| Ward 1 | Jim Graham | Democratic | 1998 | Incumbent lost re-election. New member elected. Democratic hold. |
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| Ward 3 | Mary Cheh | Democratic | 2006 | Incumbent re-elected |
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| Ward 5 | Kenyan McDuffie | Democratic | 2012 (special) | Incumbent re-elected |
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| Ward 6 | Tommy Wells | Democratic | 2006 | Incumbent retired. New member elected. Democratic hold. |
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Chairperson
Incumbent Chairperson Phil Mendelson was re-elected for his first full term after defeating four challengers in the general election and one in the primary
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November 4, 2014
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Democratic primary
Candidates
- Calvin H. Gurley
- Phil Mendelson, incumbent Chairperson (since 2012) from Eastern Market
Endorsements
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Phil Mendelson (inc.) | 69,138 | 81.20% | |
| Democratic | Calvin H. Gurley | 15,178 | 17.83% | |
| Write-in | 825 | 0.97% | ||
| Total votes | 85,141 | 100% | ||
Libertarian primary
No candidates filed for the primary, with Kyle Walker winning the nomination through write-in votes.
Republican primary
No candidates filed for the primary, with Kris Hammond winning the nomination through write-in votes.
Statehood Green primary
No candidates filed for the primary, with G. Lee Aikin winning the nomination through write-in votes.
Independents
Candidates
- John C. Cheeks
General election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Phil Mendelson (inc.) | 138,066 | 82.39% | |
| Republican | Kris Hammond | 12,114 | 7.23% | |
| Independent | John C. Cheeks | 6,949 | 7.26% | |
| DC Statehood Green | G. Lee Aikin | 5,930 | 3.54% | |
| Libertarian | Kyle Walker | 3,674 | 2.19% | |
| Write-in | 849 | 0.32% | ||
| Total votes | 167,582 | 100% | ||
At-large
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November 4, 2014
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Incumbent Democrat Anita Bonds won re-election to her first full term after her victory in the 2013 special election. Independent incumbent David Catania declined to run for re-election in order to run in the 2014 mayoral election, with his seat being won by Elissa Silverman.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Nate Bennett-Fleming
- Anita Bonds, incumbent at-large councilmember (since 2012)
- Pedro Rubio
- John F. Settles II
- Kevin Valentine Jr.
Endorsements
Labor unions
Local officials
- Marion Barry, former Mayor and incumbent Ward 8 Councilmember[11]
- Muriel Bowser, incumbent Ward 4 Councilmember and mayoral candidate[12]
- Sharon Pratt, former Mayor of Washington (1991-1995)[13]
Organizations
- Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance[3]
- Hotel Association of Washington, DC[14]
- National Nurses United[15]
- National Organization for Women[16]
- District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce[16]
Organizations
- Democracy for America[17]
- Jews United for Justice (Democratic primary)[4]
- Sierra Club (Democratic primary)[5]
Publications
- The Washington Post (Democratic primary)[7]
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Nate Bennett-Fleming |
Anita Bonds |
Pedro Rubio |
John Settles |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington City Paper/Kojo Nnamdi Show[18] | March 13 – March 16, 2014 | 860 (LV) | ± 3.4% | 10% | 43% | 4% | 6% | 37% |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Anita Bonds (inc.) | 43,586 | 53.25% | |
| Democratic | Nate Bennett-Fleming | 18,232 | 22.27% | |
| Democratic | John F. Settles II | 10,775 | 13.16% | |
| Democratic | Pedro Rubio | 6,082 | 7.43% | |
| Democratic | Kevin Valentine Jr. | 2,560 | 3.13% | |
| Write-in | 624 | 1.42% | ||
| Total votes | 81,859 | 100% | ||
Libertarian primary
Candidates
- Frederick Steiner
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Libertarian | Frederick Steiner | 27 | 90.00% | |
| Write-in | 3 | 10.00% | ||
| Total votes | 30 | 100% | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Marc Morgan
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Marc Morgan | 1,136 | 93.27% | |
| Write-in | 82 | 6.73% | ||
| Total votes | 1,218 | 100% | ||
Statehood Green primary
Candidates
- G. Lee Aikin
- Eugene Puryear
Endorsements
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC Statehood Green | Eugene Puryear | 268 | 64.89% | |
| DC Statehood Green | G. Lee Aikin | 112 | 27.12% | |
| Write-in | 33 | 7.99% | ||
| Total votes | 413 | 100% | ||
Independents
Candidates
- Michael D. Brown
- Wendell Felder, ANC member form 7E07
- Calvin H. Gurley
- Graylan Scott Hagler
- Brian Hart
- Eric J. Jones
- Kahlid Pitts
- Kishan Putta
- Elissa Silverman
- Courtney R. Snowden
- Robert White
Endorsements
Labor unions
- SEIU Local 1199[20]
- UNITE HERE Local 25[20]
- United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400[21]
- Washington Teachers' Union[20]
Organizations
Publications
Organizations
Individuals
- Stephanie Cutter, Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign strategist[23]
- Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America[23]
- Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood[23]
- Joe Solmonese, former president of Human Rights Campaign[23]
- Mitch Stewart, Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign strategist[23]
Organizations
Labor unions
- International Association of Fire Fighters Local 36[24][9]
- Jews United for Justice[24][4]
- Metropolitan Police Department Union[24]
- Metropolitan Washington Labor Council, AFL–CIO[24]
- SEIU Local 32 & 1199[24]
- UNITE HERE Local 25[24]
- United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400[21]
Local officials
- Charles Allen, candidate for Ward 6 Councilmember[25]
- Marion Barry, former Mayor and incumbent Ward 8 Councilmember[11]
Organizations
- DC For Democracy[24]
- Greater Greater Washington[26]
- National Organization for Women[24]
- Sierra Club[24]
- Washington Teachers' Union[24]
- Working Families Party[24]
Publications
Organizations
- Capital Stonewall Democrats[28]
- LGBTQ Victory Fund[28]
- Apartment and Office Building Association[28]
Publications
Labor Unions
- American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 20[29]
Local officials
- Yvette Alexander, incumbent Ward 7 Councilmember[29]
- Peggy Cooper Cafritz, former president of the DC State Board of Education[25]
- David Grosso, incumbent At-large Councilmember[29]
- Kenyan McDuffie, incumbent Ward 5 Councilmember[29]
Organizations
- DC Assoication of Realtors[29]
- Greater Greater Washington[26]
- Hotel Association of Washington, DC[29][14]
- Sierra Club[29]
Publications
General Election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Anita Bonds (inc.) | 85,575 | 31.36% | |
| Independent | Elissa Silverman | 41,300 | 15.14% | |
| Independent | Michael D. Brown | 28,614 | 10.49% | |
| Independent | Robert White | 22,198 | 8.14% | |
| Independent | Courtney R. Snowden | 19,551 | 7.16% | |
| DC Statehood Green | Eugene Puryear | 12,525 | 4.59% | |
| Independent | Graylan Scott Hagler | 10,539 | 3.86% | |
| Independent | Khalid Pitts | 10,392 | 3.81% | |
| Republican | Marc Morgan | 9,947 | 3.65% | |
| Independent | Brian Hart | 8,993 | 3.27% | |
| Independent | Calvin H. Gurley | 4,553 | 1.67% | |
| Independent | Eric J. Jones | 4,405 | 1.61% | |
| Libertarian | Frederick Steiner | 3,766 | 1.38% | |
| Independent | Wendell Felder | 2,964 | 1.09% | |
| Write-in | 1,472 | 0.54% | ||
| Total votes | 272,869 | 100% | ||
Ward 1
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November 4, 2014
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12-year councilmember Jim Graham lost his primary to challenger Brianne Nadeau. Graham had faced multiple different corruption allegations in his previous term. Ted Loza, then Graham's chief of staff, was arrested by the FBI on bribery charges in September 2009[30] and eventually sentenced to eight months in prison.[31]
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Jim Graham, incumbent Ward 1 Councilmember
- Brianne Nadeau
Withdrawn
Endorsements
Labor Unions
- United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400[2]
Organizations
- Sierra Club (Democratic primary)[5]
Individuals
- Beverly Wheeler, withdrawn candidate[33]
Local officials
- David Grosso, incumbent At-large Councilmember (Independent)[34]
- Tommy Wells, incumbent Ward 6 Councilmember[34]
Organizations
- Democracy for America[17]
- Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance[3]
- Greater Greater Washington[32]
- Jews United for Justice[4]
Publications
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Brianne Nadeau | 6,688 | 58.73% | |
| Democratic | Jim Graham (inc.) | 4,642 | 40.77% | |
| Write-in | 57 | 0.50% | ||
| Total votes | 11,387 | 100% | ||
Libertarian primary
No candidates filed for the primary, with John Vaught LaBeaume winning the nomination through write-in votes.
Independents
Candidates
- Ernest E. Johnson
General Election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Brianne Nadeau | 17,024 | 84.78% | |
| Independent | Ernest E. Johnson | 2,021 | 7.26% | |
| Libertarian | John Vaught LaBeaume | 829 | 2.19% | |
| Write-in | 207 | 1.03% | ||
| Total votes | 20,081 | 100% | ||
Ward 3
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November 4, 2014
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Incumbent councilmember Mary Cheh easily won re-election to a third term, facing no opposition in the Democratic primary.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Mary Cheh, incumbent councilmember
Endorsements
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mary Cheh (inc.) | 11,484 | 95.80% | |
| Write-in | 503 | 4.20% | ||
| Total votes | 11,987 | 100% | ||
Libertarian primary
Candidates
- Ryan Sabot
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Libertarian | Ryan Sabot | 2 | 100% | |
| Total votes | 2 | 100% | ||
General Election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mary Cheh (inc.) | 20,314 | 86.01% | |
| Libertarian | Ryan Sabot | 2,940 | 12.45% | |
| Write-in | 365 | 1.55% | ||
| Total votes | 23,619 | 100% | ||
Ward 5
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November 4, 2014
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Incumbent councilmember Kenyan McDuffie easily won re-election to his first full term following his victory in the 2012 special election, facing little opposition in both the Democratic primary and the general election
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Kathy Henderson, activist and ANC member from Carver Langston
- Kenyan McDuffie, incumbent Ward 5 Councilmember
- Carolyn C. Steptoe, ANC member from Brookland
Withdrawn
- Jacqueline Manning
Endorsements
Labor unions
- United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400[2]
Organizations
- Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance[3]
- Greater Greater Washington[26]
- Jews United for Justice[4]
- Sierra Club[5]
Publications
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Kenyan McDuffie (inc.) | 9,532 | 78.36% | |
| Democratic | Kathy Henderson | 1,822 | 14.98% | |
| Democratic | Carolyn C. Steptoe | 755 | 6.21% | |
| Write-in | 56 | 4.20% | ||
| Total votes | 12,165 | 100% | ||
Libertarian primary
No candidates filed for the primary, with Preston Cornish winning the nomination through write-in votes.
General Election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Kenyan McDuffie (inc.) | 19,290 | 91.96% | |
| Libertarian | Preston Cornish | 1,488 | 7.09% | |
| Write-in | 199 | 0.95% | ||
| Total votes | 20,977 | 100% | ||
Ward 6
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November 4, 2014
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Incumbent councilmember Tommy Wells declined to run for a third term in order to run in the 2014 mayoral election.[36] His chief of staff Charles Allen ran and won a close Democratic primary election on the way to blowing out Libertarian candidate Pranav Badhwar in the general election.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Charles Allen, chief of staff to incumbent councilmember Tommy Wells[37]
- Darrel Thompson, former deputy chief of staff to Senator Harry Reid[38]
Endorsements
Labor unions
- * Metropolitan Police Department Union[39]
- Service Employees International Union locals 32BJ, 500, 722, 1199[40][41]
Local officials
- Sharon Ambrose, former Ward 6 Councilmember (1997-2007)[39]
- David Grosso, incumbent At-large Councilmember (Independent)[39]
- Lisa Raymond, former member of the District of Columbia State Board of Education from Ward 6[41]
- Monica Warren-Jones, member of the District of Columbia State Board of Education from Ward 6[42]
- Tommy Wells, incumbent Ward 6 Councilmember[39]
Organizations
- Democracy for America[17]
- District of Columbia Association of Realtors[41]
- District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce[17]
- Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance[3]
- Greater Greater Washington[26]
- Jews United for Justice[4]
- National Organization for Women[39]
- Sierra Club[5]
Publications
Federal officials
- Dick Gephardt, former MO-3 Representative (1977-2005), House Majority leader (1989-1995) and minority leader (1995-2003)[39]
- John Lewis, GA-5 Representative (1987-2020)[42]
- Harry Reid, Senator from Nevada (1987-2017) and Senate Majority Leader (2007-2015)[42]
Labor unions
- United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400[2]
Debates
| Date | Place | Host | Participants | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P Participant. I Invitee. A Absent. N Confirmed non-invitee. O Out of race (exploring, suspended, or not yet entered) | Allen |
Badhwar[b] |
Thompson | ||||||||
| 20 February 2014[43] | Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church | Eastern Market Metro Community Organization | P | P | P | ||||||
| 28 February 2014[44] | Hill Center | Hill Rag | P | A | P | ||||||
| 4 March 2014 | Westminster Presbyterian Church | Hill Rag | P | A | P | ||||||
| 11 March 2014 | Shaw Library | Hill Rag | P | A | P | ||||||
| 25 March 2014[45] | Rock N Roll Hotel | Washington City Paper | P | A | P | ||||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Charles Allen | 8,851 | 58.16% | |
| Democratic | Darrel Thompson | 6,329 | 41.59% | |
| Write-in | 38 | 0.25% | ||
| Total votes | 15,218 | 100% | ||
Libertarian primary
Candidates
- Parnav Badhwar
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Libertarian | Parnav Badhwar | 8 | 100% | |
| Total votes | 8 | 100% | ||
Independents
- Shelonda Tillman[46]
General Election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Charles Allen | 23,668 | 87.56% | |
| Libertarian | Pranav Bahdwar | 3,127 | 11.57% | |
| Write-in | 237 | 0.88% | ||
| Total votes | 27,032 | 100% | ||
Notes
- Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear - Due to District of Columbia general elections being overwhelmingly dominated by the Democratic party, some notionally partisan forums invite candidates from other political parties to give them a chance to speak and engage with Democratic candidates.