The D.C. Council is taking proactive steps to prevent a repeat of its earlier drawn-out process to expel former Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White. On Tuesday, the Council is scheduled to vote on a proposed rule change that would make it significantly easier—and faster—to remove White again if he wins the upcoming July 15 special election.
Background: First-Ever Expulsion from D.C. Council
Trayon White became the first D.C. Councilmember in history to be expelled after a unanimous vote in February 2025. The Council found him guilty of gross violations of ethics and council rules. That decision followed an extensive external investigation that cost the city nearly $400,000, led by an outside law firm.
White was arrested by the FBI in August 2024 on felony bribery charges. Federal prosecutors allege he accepted tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to influence city contracts, including an incident where he was secretly recorded accepting cash in an envelope. Though he is scheduled to face trial on these charges in January 2026, the D.C. Council’s expulsion process was based on its own internal ethics rules and was separate from the criminal proceedings.
Rule Change Aimed at Avoiding Redundant Investigations
The proposed rule change, introduced by Council Chair Phil Mendelson, does not name White directly but is clearly designed with his potential re-election in mind. The updated rules would allow the Council to reuse previously collected evidence and findings as the basis for a second expulsion vote. This would eliminate the need for a second, costly investigation.
The rule also stipulates that the Chairperson of an ad hoc committee that originally recommended expulsion—At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie in this case—would only need to reintroduce a sanction resolution to move forward with another vote. There would be no need to form a new committee or gather additional evidence.
In essence, if Trayon White wins back his seat in Ward 8, the Council could quickly reconvene and vote to expel him again using the same findings that justified his initial removal.
Upcoming Election and Council Schedule
Trayon White remains on the ballot for the July 15 special election. He announced his candidacy almost immediately after his February expulsion, a move that has stirred both controversy and legal debate. White is running against Sheila Bunn, Salim Adolfo, and Mike Austin.
The D.C. Board of Elections is expected to certify the results by August 8, during the Council’s planned summer recess. It remains unclear whether the Council would interrupt its break to vote on a potential second expulsion or wait until members reconvene in the fall.
If White is expelled again, the Board of Elections would be required to schedule another special election to fill the seat—yet again leaving Ward 8 temporarily unrepresented.
Charter Change Proposal Adds Another Layer
In a related legislative move, At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson has introduced a charter amendment that would bar any expelled Councilmember from running again for five years. If approved by the Council, the measure would require voter ratification before becoming law.
However, the proposed charter change would not affect White’s current candidacy or the upcoming July election, as it would not be enacted in time. Still, the effort signals the Council’s intent to close any loopholes that allow expelled members to repeatedly seek reelection.
Public Response and Legal Implications
The possibility of White returning to office despite serious allegations—and a previous expulsion—has sparked a broader conversation among residents and lawmakers about ethics enforcement and electoral accountability.
Supporters of the rule change argue it’s necessary to maintain the integrity of the Council and avoid wasting public funds on duplicate investigations. Critics, however, warn that voters should have the ultimate say and question whether repeated expulsions risk undermining democratic choice.
Regardless of the outcome, the Council’s current moves demonstrate a readiness to act swiftly if voters return Trayon White to office, and they mark a turning point in how D.C. handles ethics violations by elected officials.
As Ward 8 voters prepare to cast their ballots on July 15, the stakes remain high—not just for the candidates, but for the Council’s reputation and the city’s political future.
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