As ballots continue to be counted in Washington D.C., socialist mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George has taken the lead in the race to succeed outgoing mayor Muriel Bowser. Reports from the Associated Press indicate that by midnight, George had secured 52.6% of the vote with 66% of ballots tallied. Kenyan R. McDuffie, the closest contender, trails with 36.8%.
The city, which has been at the forefront of national discussions on crime during the Trump administration, saw the National Guard deployed last year. Proponents argue this move has contributed to a reduction in violent crime rates. Former President Donald Trump has hinted at a potential federal intervention if George, a self-described Democratic socialist, wins.
“I wouldn’t like it, and maybe we take back Washington, run it on a federal basis,” Trump remarked regarding the prospect of George’s victory.
George has responded, labeling Trump’s statements as an “attack on democracy itself.”
As the Democratic frontrunner, George’s lead is seen as crucial, given the city’s Democratic majority—around 75% of registered voters. For the first time, Washington, D.C. is implementing ranked-choice voting, which might slow down the official result announcement.
In parallel with the mayoral race, voters also participated in choosing their next non-voting U.S. Delegate. Robert White, an At-Large Council member, was declared the winner shortly after midnight, succeeding retiring Democrat Eleanor Holmes Norton.
Fox News Digital’s Elaine Mallon and Andrew Mark Miller have contributed to this report.
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