WASHINGTON, D.C. — In Ward 8, one of the most politically resilient figures in recent D.C. history appears poised for a comeback — even as he faces federal bribery charges and runs one of the least active campaigns in memory.
Former Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, who was expelled from the D.C. Council five months ago over allegations of accepting bribes to influence city contracts, is still widely considered the frontrunner in the July 15 special election to reclaim his old seat.
Despite making almost no public appearances, spending zero dollars on campaign advertising, and refusing to directly address the charges against him, White’s deep-rooted name recognition, community connections, and loyal base may be enough to carry him to victory once again.
Connecting Through Community, Not Campaigning
At a recent candidate forum at an Anacostia charter school, White leaned into his grassroots style, sharing a story about breaking up a neighborhood fight on his way to the event. He used the moment to illustrate that while crime statistics might show improvement, the sense of safety remains elusive for many in Ward 8.
“I’ve got to go to a funeral of a young man tomorrow,” White told the students. “The crazy thing is I buried his brother five years ago in the same way. We have an issue here.”
This ability to weave his lived experience into political messaging has long endeared White to Ward 8 voters. It’s also what may shield him from political fallout, even as the former councilmember remains under indictment and largely absent from the campaign trail.
“He hasn’t knocked on doors, hasn’t done any traditional campaigning, and yet he’s still the one to beat,” said Stuart Anderson, a former campaign manager and past opponent. “That says something about the strength of his brand in this ward.”
Federal Charges and Council Fallout
White’s current predicament stems from a video that allegedly shows him agreeing to accept bribes to help steer public contracts. While he has declined to discuss the case, he briefly acknowledged it at a recent Ward 8 Democrats forum, saying, “It’s not wise for me to speak on that in any form or fashion to the public because I have to have my day in court.” He left the event early.
Despite the cloud of scandal, White has not been convicted, and many residents — particularly longtime Ward 8 voters — remain skeptical of how the Council handled his expulsion.
Marion Barry’s Shadow and Community Sentiment
The comparisons to Marion Barry, the late former mayor and councilmember for Ward 8, are hard to ignore. Like Barry, White is viewed by some as a champion of the people who is being unfairly targeted by law enforcement.
Oye Owolewa, Ward 8’s shadow representative, noted that many residents see the case as part of a broader pattern of systemic overreach into Black political power.
“A lot of people here talk about fairness,” Owolewa said. “They’re comparing this to Congress interfering in D.C.’s autonomy. To them, the Council’s decision to expel White before his trial felt like another example of outsiders telling Ward 8 what to do.”
Divided Opposition, Shared Policy
White’s three main challengers — Mike Austin, Sheila Bunn, and Salim Adofo — share remarkably similar policy positions: expand violence interruption programs, attract grocery stores to food deserts, and improve local services. But their main point of contrast with White is leadership integrity and effectiveness.
Mike Austin touts his work with Mayor Bowser and former Councilmember LaRuby May, and warns that keeping White in office invites federal scrutiny.
Sheila Bunn, who worked with Vince Gray, presents herself as a capable, steady hand in the Wilson Building.
Salim Adofo, a local tenant organizer and ANC commissioner, calls out White’s scandals directly, arguing he’s no longer fit to serve.
“Some folks don’t believe he’ll be able to get anything done at this point,” Adofo said. “The Council already voted him out once. What more is there to say?”
Council Considers Another Expulsion — Again
If White wins, he may not keep his seat for long. D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson recently proposed a rule change that would allow the Council to expel White again without a second investigation. Facing pushback from fellow councilmembers, Mendelson withdrew the proposal — but said the Council could still remove him later, especially if he’s convicted in his January trial.
Critics saw the move as election interference, including White himself, who called it such on Instagram. Councilmember Zachary Parker noted the contrast with how the Council treated former Ward 2 member Jack Evans, who resigned amid an ethics scandal but was allowed to run again without intervention.
“There seem to be two sets of rules,” Parker said. “One for Black politicians, and one for everyone else.”
Strategic Silence, Political Risk
Observers like Troy Prestwood, president of the Ward 8 Democrats, believe White’s quiet approach may be intentional.
“The more he puts himself out there, the more people are reminded of his legal troubles,” Prestwood said. “But with his name recognition and a divided field, he may not need to say much.”
White is hoping his past work — such as securing funding for rec centers, afterschool programs, and a new hospital — will speak louder than the charges he faces. But his critics say much of that funding came thanks to Mayor Bowser and others, not necessarily White’s legislative skills.
What’s at Stake
Austin argues that if White is re-elected, the consequences could reverberate beyond Ward 8. With Republicans in Congress already looking for ways to restrict D.C. home rule, another high-profile scandal could weaken the city’s standing.
“We need someone who can govern — not be a punchline,” Austin said. “This is about proving we’re capable of self-governance.”
The Council could again vote to expel White, but many members are wary of alienating Ward 8 voters. Neither Mayor Bowser nor any current councilmember has endorsed in the race, though some have donated to Bunn’s campaign, suggesting quiet backing.
Even White’s challengers, like Bunn, are careful about how they frame their campaigns.
“I’m not running against anyone,” Bunn said. “I’m running for Ward 8.”
Election Details
Early voting began on Friday and continues through Monday. Election Day is Tuesday, July 15, and polls close at 8 p.m.
Despite the legal storm swirling around him, Trayon White remains the candidate to beat — a reflection not only of his personal brand, but of the complex intersection between politics, loyalty, and justice in one of D.C.’s most politically powerful and emotionally charged wards.
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