Inside D.C.’s *other* At-Large race

Hello neighbors,

The 51st is here, in part, to make sure D.C. residents have the information we need to participate in democracy — and as the June 16 primary approaches, the stakes are especially high.

This week, we published our voter guide, which explains where to vote, how to do it, and who is on the ballot. Share it with your group chat or neighborhood listserv!

The latest addition to our election coverage: 51st reporter Sam Delgado interviewed the three candidates in the D.C. Council At-Large special election. She also recaps the debate we hosted last week, in partnership with SpotlightDC and The Washington Informer, between the Democratic primary candidates for D.C. delegate to Congress. 

For our Ask A D.C. Native column, Rahshek Ellis shares how D.C. residents can advocate for ourselves, despite our ~state~ of taxation without representation. Feeling inspired? Don’t miss our weekly roundup of ways to get involved around the city. We’ve also got an extended, long-weekend edition of our guide to fun local events!

Stay dry out there,

Gracie

Meet the candidates running in the D.C. Council’s At-Large special election

There are three candidates vying for the rest of Kenyan McDuffie's term, after he stepped down to run for mayor.

ICYMI, our guide to the June 16 primary is here:

The 51st voter guide for D.C.’s June 16 primary election

Here’s what to know about everything on your ballot for the June 16 primary.

The 51stMartin Austermuhle

Here’s what happened at our D.C. congressional delegate debate

Candidates sparred over home rule, public safety, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton's legacy.

How do I advocate for myself in this city?

Six ways to make your voice heard.

25 things to do around D.C. over Memorial Day weekend

Go on an ice cream tour, catch some local music, learn to tap dance, and more options to keep you busy on this long weekend.

11 ways to get involved around D.C. this week

Another candidate forum, a mutual aid prom, and more.

Here are some stories you may have missed this week:

• As the mayoral candidates continue to trade attacks (some of which we fact-checked), new polling data from City Cast shows Janeese Lewis George with a slight lead, which may be complicated by the introduction of ranked-choice voting. [WAMU, The 51st, City Cast]
• The two leading mayoral candidates aren’t that far apart in their approach to public safety, so why has criminal justice become a “flashpoint” — including in TV ads? [WAMU, The Post]
• U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro doubled down on last week’s threat to prosecute parents over youth curfew violations. As they continue to debate a controversial extension, local lawmakers have questions about how that would even work. [The Post]
• “Bike buses” have been helping kids across the region get to school safely — and also encourage on-time attendance, according to a Dunbar High School teacher. [The Banner, WTOP]
• WMATA says adding another Metro station near the new Commanders stadium is too expensive. Some nearby residents feel betrayed — and worried about the environmental impact of the alternatives. [WUSA9]
• As go-go marks its 50th birthday, VIBE interviewed Rare Essence about the music’s local and national legacy — and continued fight for recognition. [VIBE]
• DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee announced that he will step down at the end of the school year for a nonprofit job. Mayor Bowser will appoint an interim replacement, but the new mayor will pick who fills the role in the longer term. [The Post]
• Though the upper lawn of Malcolm X Park remains closed for repairs, the lower section has reopened with water flowing from the fountains for the first time in seven years. But the politics behind the long-requested repairs are messy. [City Cast]
• And finally, meet the D.C. native preserving and sharing the Black history that’s been buried at Benning Ridge’s 131-year-old Woodlawn Cemetery. [The Washington Informer]

See you next week,

Gracie