D.C. voters to decide next mayor, other races in Democratic primary

D.C. residents go to the polls Tuesday to vote in the city’s Democratic primary elections, which will likely determine the winners of November general elections, including the mayoral race.

Mayor Muriel Bowser, a two-term incumbent, faces a strong challenge from D.C. Council member Robert White (at-large), as well as competition from council member Trayon White (Ward 8) and activist James Butler. (Robert White and Trayon White are not related.)

Ravi Perry, a political science professor at Howard University, noted Ms. Bowser’s advantages as the incumbent, but he also pointed out that Robert White enjoys name recognition, has native ties to the city and offers a progressive alternative to Ms. Bowser’s more centrist policies.

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“My suspicion is that Robert White is going to get very, very close, and certainly, polling shows he has a chance to win,” Mr. Perry said.

A telephone poll of 500 likely voters conducted June 7-9 by Lake Research Partners for Robert White’s campaign found Ms. Bowser with 41% support and Mr. White with 37%. The survey’s 4.4-point margin of error puts the race in a dead heat, according to the White campaign.