The Capital Stonewall Democratic Party endorsed its list of candidates ahead of the June 16 primary election.
Local LGBTQ political clubs will support candidates who have the support of at least 60% of their active membership. Before endorsements are made, candidates typically complete surveys and participate in public forums with LGBTQ Democratic voters.
Candidates do not have to identify as LGBTQ to be nominated, but they must demonstrate a commitment to LGBTQ equality in the district.
The club supported Democratic Rep. Janice Lewis George (D-4th District) as a candidate for mayor and City Councilman Robert White (D-4) as a candidate for House of Representatives.
They also endorsed several incumbent councilors, including Attorney General Brian Schwalb and D.C. City Council members Charles Allen (D-6th District), Matthew Frumin (D-3rd District), and the council’s only LGBTQ member, Zachary Parker (D-5th District).
Club members supported DC Shadow U.S. representative Oye Owolewa in place of Anita Bonds, who is retiring. In the District 1 seat vacated by Brianne Nadeau, no candidate received more than 60% of the vote, which would normally be insurmountable. However, because ranked-choice voting is being used this year, the Capital Stonewall Democratic Party announced its candidate priorities instead.
The club recommended that voters in District 1 rank ANC 1B Commissioner Miguel Trinidade Deramo, who is gay, first. Second place went to communications manager and tenant organizer Aparna Raj, who identifies as gay. Third place goes to Jackie Reyes Yanez, former executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Latino Affairs and the Department of Community Affairs under Mayor Muriel Bowser. ANC 1E Commissioner Rashida Brown, 4th place; In fifth place was nonprofit leader and neighborhood activist Terry Lynch.
“Our support is not just about a single candidate in an election. It’s about the future of D.C.,” club president Stevie McCarty said in a statement. “We are proud to support leaders who understand that LGBTQ+ rights are not optional, who listen to their members, build community, and are ready to translate values into action.”
This year’s elections are particularly noteworthy, as several open seat elections create opportunities for new leadership. Incumbent members are not seeking re-election, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, U.S. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the district’s non-voting member, and D.C. City Council members Anita Bonds (D-At-Large) and Brianne Nadeau (D-1st District).
In addition, independent council member Kenya McDuffie, who is running for mayor, has already resigned, calling for both a special election to fill out the remainder of his term and a general election in which a non-Democrat will replace him. As a result, several new members are expected to appear on the council next January.
As the Capital Stonewall Democratic Party noted in a news release, the positions on the ballot this year, from mayor and city council member to attorney general and councilmember, will shape policy and funding priorities that impact district residents. Having strong allies is especially important for LGBTQ people who have been targeted by the current presidential administration.
“As LGBTQ+ rights are under attack across the country, D.C. has a responsibility to lead the charge,” McCarty said in a statement. “That means electing leaders who protect our communities, expand opportunity, and ensure no one is left behind in the future we are building.”
The club encourages voters to get involved early and learn more about candidates through consultation. OutVoteDC.orga website run by the Capital Stonewall Democratic Party, is billed as “the district’s most comprehensive LGBTQ+ voter guide” for the primary election.
“Elections are not about abstractions; they are about real outcomes in people’s lives,” McCarty said. “When we vote, we are choosing what kind of city we want to live in, and we are making sure our community has a say in that decision.”
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
