Michael Phillips

Full List of Candidates in the 2026 Washington, D.C. Mayoral Race

(As of early February 2026; subject to change before the March 18 filing deadline)

The 2026 Washington, D.C. mayoral election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, with the Democratic primary on June 16, 2026. With Muriel Bowser declining to seek a fourth term, the race is the first open mayoral contest since 2014 and has attracted an unusually large field.

Below is a comprehensive list of candidates who have declared, filed paperwork, or are listed as active with the D.C. Office of Campaign Finance or the Fair Elections Program, based on public filings and local reporting as of early February 2026.

Democratic Party Candidates

  • Janeese Lewis George
    Ward 4 Councilmember (since 2021); progressive/democratic socialist; early entrant and leading fundraiser.
  • Kenyan McDuffie
    Former Ward 5 and at-large Councilmember; resigned in early 2026 to run; positions himself as a pragmatic moderate.
  • Vincent Orange
    Former at-large and Ward 5 Councilmember.
  • Gary Goodweather
    Real estate developer and U.S. Army veteran; emphasizes grassroots fundraising and service delivery.
  • Talib Karim Muhammad
    Attorney and engineer.
  • Yaida Oni Ford
    Civil rights attorney.
  • Regan Jones
    Motivational speaker.
  • Adrian Byrd
  • Cody Birchfield
  • Anthony Muhammad
    Listed through the Fair Elections Program.
  • Tracey Lucas
    Listed through the Fair Elections Program.

Independent Candidates

  • Rhonda Hamilton
    One of the earliest filers.
  • James McMorris
  • Christopher Teague
  • Muhsin Umar
    Also listed in some filings as Mushin Bouluther Umar.

Republican Party Candidates

  • Esa Muhammad
  • Myrtle Alexander

Other / Unaffiliated or Listed as “Other”

  • Da’Moni Ivey
    Listed as “Other” in campaign finance filings.
  • Robert Gross
  • Jeffrey Wincott

What Comes Next

Petition circulation began in late January 2026, and candidates must meet signature and filing requirements by March 18, 2026 to remain on the ballot. Historically, many lower-profile candidates fail to qualify or withdraw before the primary, while fundraising, endorsements, and organizational capacity narrow the field.

At present, Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie are widely regarded as the early frontrunners based on fundraising, name recognition, and media coverage, but the race remains fluid.

For the most up-to-date and official information, voters should consult the D.C. Office of Campaign Finance and the D.C. Board of Elections.

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