By Ashlee Banks, Special to the AFRO
This week Washington D.C. voters flocked to the polls to cast their ballots in the city’s primary elections on June 4.
President Joe Biden won the Democratic primary election and earned 87 percent of the vote, which comes as little surprise. However, former President Donald Trump, who is expected to be named the Republican party’s presidential nominee next month, lost the primary election to former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. Haley scored 62.8 percent of the vote, while Trump secured 33.3 percent. This comes just days after the former Republican president was found guilty of 34 charges of falsifying business records.
“It’s a good thing that the felon didn’t win,” said U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey, (D-Md-4). “But, Nikki has had some strange moments too. I read about her signing her name on bombs that were about to be dropped in [Gaza]. The Republican Party is in a strange place these days and I don’t know how they wander out of it.”
“I think it’s just another sign for Democrats to fight to take control of the House and maintain control of the Senate and the White House,” said the Maryland lawmaker.
U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, (R-Texas-38) says Hailey’s win is not a slight to Trump.
“We have our nominee,” said Hunt. “Trump’s the guy. It’s completely irrelevant to me.”
Despite Hailey’s victory, she announced in March that she would no longer run for president, therefore her primary win does not carry much weight.
U.S. Congressional Race
Washington D.C. voters had their eyes set on another important primary race this week, U.S. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) battled it out with Kelly Mikel Williams. Norton defeated Williams, scoring 81 percent of the vote.
“The District of Columbia can have no greater advocate than delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton,” said U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, (D-Ga-4) “She lives, breathes and bleeds Washington D.C. and what’s best for the people of this great [city].”
Ivey agreed with Johnson and believes that Holmes has been a staple in the D.C. community.
“She’s an institution. She’s been in Congress for a long time. I was still in school when she was first elected,” said Rep. Ivey. “The people of the district are fortunate to have her and we’re glad to have her in Congress.”
Norton will face Green Party nominee Kymone Freeman and Republican candidate Myrtle Alexander in November’s general election.
Shadow Senator race
In the shadow representative race, incumbent Oye Owolewa won the Democratic primary election and will face off against Republican challenger Ciprian Ivanof in November.
Voting rights attorney Ankit Jain won the democratic primary for shadow senator and is running unopposed in the general election this fall. A “shadow senator” is a senator recognized by Washington D.C., but not officially sworn in or seated by the U.S. Senate.
D.C. Council races
At-Large Member of the Council, Robert White won his seat against Democratic challenger Rodney Grant. White secured 83 percent of the vote and will not be challenged by a Republican candidate in the general election.
Ward 2 Councilwoman Brooke Pinto and Ward 4 Councilwoman Janeese Lewis George secured their seats during the primary election and will run unopposed in November.
Lastly, incumbent Trayon White won the Democratic primary for Ward 8 and will face off with Republican challenger Nate Derenge in November.
