DC's Ward 8 special election results affirmed, Trayon White officially sworn in on Friday
Trayon White Returns to D.C. Council Amidst Federal Trial Looming
Trayon White, a controversial figure in Washington D.C.'s political landscape, has made a comeback to the D.C. Council following his victory in the Ward 8 special election held on July 15, 2023. White was sworn into office hours after the election certification on August 8, 2023.
White's return to the Council comes amidst a federal trial scheduled for January 2026. He was arrested last August on federal bribery charges, with preliminary evidence including videos showing him allegedly taking cash bribes from a city contractor in return for city contracts [1][2].
White's first expulsion from the Council took place in February 2025, making him the first in council history to be expelled. However, his strong local popularity allowed him to defeat three challengers and return to office [1][2][3][5].
The D.C. Council retains the authority to expel White again depending on the outcome of his federal trial. They face a difficult decision: either to preemptively block or expel him once more, which could leave Ward 8 without representation, or to allow him to serve on the Council until his trial begins next year, continuing what is described as an uneasy standoff given his legal situation and community support [1][2][3].
The council chairman, Phil Mendelson, is still considering removing White from his seat following his second re-election. However, there is no legal barrier preventing him from running or serving since he has not yet been convicted of a felony. The council's ability to expel him again would depend on their internal procedures and political will, but it remains uncertain if or when they will do so before his trial [1][2][3].
The Ward 8 special election saw more than 8,000 ballots cast, with White securing approximately 1,980 votes, or about 29% of the total votes. Mike Austin, one of the challengers, secured approximately 1,580 votes, or about 23% of the total votes [4].
White has expressed a desire to build bridges and focus on fighting for the people rather than engaging in conflict. As the federal trial approaches, the balance between legal proceedings, local political dynamics, and the community's strong support for White will continue to shape the political landscape of Ward 8.
Summary:
| Aspect | Detail | |-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Federal trial date | January 2026 | | Reason for expulsion | Arrest and bribery charges | | Re-election | Won special election July 15, 2023 | | Current status | Sworn in early August 2023 | | Potential for second expulsion | Possible but uncertain; council may wait for trial | | Vote count | White: 1,980 votes (29%); Austin: 1,580 votes (23%) | | Total ballots | More than 8,000 ballots cast | | Council chairman's consideration | Mendelson considering removal after re-election |
[1] The Washington Post [2] NBC Washington [3] CBS News [4] AP News [5] The Hill
- The federal trial, scheduled for January 2026, promises to re-ignite the ongoing political drama surrounding Trayon White, as he faces bribery charges involving city contracts and his involvement in war-and-conflicts within city politics.
- As general news unfolds regarding Trayon White's federal trial, the political landscape of Washington D.C., particularly Ward 8, remains in a tense balance, reflecting a complex interplay of legal proceedings, local political dynamics, and community support.
