WASHINGTON, D.C. — The residents of Ward 8 have spoken—again. In a powerful show of loyalty and resilience, voters chose Trayon White to represent them in the D.C. Council, despite the federal bribery charges that led to his arrest last year and his subsequent expulsion from office.
In Tuesday’s special election, White defeated fellow Democrats Salim Adofo, Mike Austin, and Sheila Bunn, securing about 28% of the vote. The result, though not a landslide, reflected a clear message from many Ward 8 residents: they believe in Trayon White, and they want him back.
A Community Without a Voice
Since White’s arrest by the FBI in August and the Council’s unanimous decision to expel him, Ward 8 has gone without direct representation. Residents like Damian Bascom say that vacuum has left the community vulnerable and politically destabilized.
“This special election, it has destabilized Ward 8,” said Bascom. “In the name of my ancestors, I voted for the person that the ward already had put in position.”
For many, the ongoing legal case—White is set to stand trial in January—does not erase the years of community service he’s delivered. Supporters emphasize that White has not been convicted and argue that he was removed prematurely.
The Debate Over Expulsion
The Council’s previous expulsion of White cost the city nearly half a million dollars in investigative fees. Now, lawmakers are considering a rule change that would allow them to remove him again—without repeating such a lengthy process—should he be reelected.
White has called the proposed change “election interference.” For voters like Enaya Tucker, it feels deeply personal.
“If they expel him again, I would cry,” said Tucker, 27. “Where’s the humanity in this? Everyone in that seat has had a testing moment. Ward 8 needs him.”
Bascom echoed that sentiment, drawing comparisons to national politics. “We got a president in the country right now, literally, that is guilty,” he said. “But he’s running the United States of America.”
White’s Connection to the People
What stands out in conversations with residents is not just political support but personal experience. Voters repeatedly described White as someone who shows up—during crises, in everyday interactions, and not just during election season.
Tucker recalled how White helped her with pest control and supported her grandmother after a fire. “There are numerous things I can think of that Trayon has done for my grandmother and myself,” she said. “I haven’t seen anyone else who could do it like him.”
For longtime resident Gregory English, 71, White’s presence in the community has made all the difference. “I’ve seen him on Martin Luther King Avenue. He talks to the community. He represents the people.”
Not All Are Convinced
Still, not everyone in Ward 8 shares the same enthusiasm. Gena Gatewood, a recent homeowner in Congress Heights, voted for Salim Adofo. She expressed skepticism about White’s visibility, claiming she mostly sees him “when there’s cameras.”
“I’m disappointed that he couldn’t just step away and allow new leadership to step in,” she said. But she added that if White does return to office, she hopes to see “a transition and change,” including more hands-on work and transparency.
Gatewood also stressed ongoing needs in the ward: better crime prevention, improved waste management, the cleanup of abandoned properties, and an end to illegal dumping. “It’s a food desert here. I want to see a continued focus on economic development and access to resources.”
A Call for Unity and Healing
Despite differing views, most residents agree that Ward 8 needs healing—politically and emotionally. Bascom believes that starts with inclusive leadership.
“I had a conversation with [White], and he shared that he can’t do this by himself. He wants to connect with other people,” Bascom said. “But it’s hard because so many people have so much to say.”
To Bascom, the political challenges facing White reflect deeper issues of systemic inequality. “Ward 8 is a majority Black community that’s been displaced. People are vulnerable,” he said. “Without healing, they’ll keep getting displaced.”
What’s Next?
Whether White will be allowed to serve remains uncertain. His upcoming trial could impact his political future, and the Council’s proposed rule change might mean another expulsion is on the horizon.
But in the eyes of many voters, the ballot they cast wasn’t just about one man. It was a message: they want a representative who understands them, who lives among them, and who has been with them through hardship.
“We need people who are heartfelt,” Tucker said. “We need people who put their feet on the pavement and do the work. That’s what Trayon does.”
As Ward 8 waits for clarity on what happens next, residents hope the focus shifts from legal wrangling and political infighting to what truly matters: addressing community needs, fostering unity, and beginning the long-overdue process of healing.
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