Proven leaders for generational change in the District; building governing power to put working people first

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Working Families Party (WFP) is endorsing Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (Ward 4) for Mayor of Washington, D.C., and Councilmember Robert White (At-Large) for Congress in the June 16th primary election. George and White are leaders who are grounded in accountability to everyday people, and a shared vision for all residents: homes we can afford, quality healthcare we can rely on, time to spend with our families, quality childcare when and where we need it, and a meaningful job to support our families.

“Working Families Party is committed to building a new generation of people-powered leadership in the District,” said Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party. “Across the country, we’re seeing what’s possible when working people organize behind leaders who are unapologetically on their side, from Zohran Mamdani’s race in New York, to Working Families Party leaders Nicolas O’Rourke and Kendra Brooks delivering real results on Philadelphia City Council, to movement-driven campaigns here in Washington, D.C.”

With an open mayoral seat and unprecedented turnover reshaping the D.C. Council, this election presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build governing power for working people. The District faces overlapping challenges: rising housing costs that continue displacing working families, persistent racial and economic inequities, increased federal interference in local governance, and an economy that makes it harder for workers and small businesses alike to survive. 

“I’m proud to be standing with the Working Families Party because we share the core belief that government must put people first,” said Janeese Lewis George. “As mayor, my focus will be on keeping families in their homes, connecting our people to good-paying jobs, supporting our small business owners, and keeping our communities safe while protecting D.C.’s right to govern itself. Being a part of WFP’s national network means I will bring home proven solutions and have allies across the country who will stand with D.C. against federal overreach. That’s how we build a city where everyone can thrive.”

“I’m grateful to be endorsed by the Working Families Party at a moment when D.C. needs bold, principled leadership in Congress more than ever,” said Robert White. “To be effective in the House, you need a broad coalition to get anything done for your district. The Working Families Party is building that coalition. Being part of this movement connects me directly to partners who will fight alongside me not just for D.C. statehood, but to guarantee healthcare, to build affordable housing, to lower prices and fight for affordability across the board, and to protect our right to govern ourselves without interference and political gamesmanship. WFP understands that our fight is bigger than any single election; it’s about protecting workers, defending our democracy, and making sure small businesses and working families can get ahead. These are the issues that I have fought for and will continue to fight for in Congress. I’m excited to work with WFP to organize across all eight wards, turn people power into action, and win this race together.”

As part of its endorsement, the Working Families Party is committing to a significant citywide organizing effort across all eight wards. WFP and partners will knock doors, engage voters face-to-face, and communicate directly with communities throughout the District, building the grassroots infrastructure needed not only to win on Election Day, but to govern effectively afterward. The effort continues the party’s long-standing commitment to both candidates. WFP previously endorsed Robert White in his campaign for mayor and Janeese Lewis George in her run for city council. Working Families Party joins 32BJ SEIU, ATU Local 689, UFCW Local 400, and UNITE HERE Locals 23 and 25 in endorsing Lewis George.

“This is a defining moment for D.C. Our city’s residents are being tested by rising costs, displacement, public safety challenges, federal interference, and an economy that has left too many workers and small businesses struggling to stay afloat,” said Paul Schwalb, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of UNITE HERE Local 25. “Janeese Lewis George and Robert White represent the next chapter of leadership. They are leaders who understand that creating good jobs, strengthening worker protections, supporting small businesses, and governing with dignity and accountability must go hand in hand. With people-centered leadership, we have a real opportunity to deliver lasting change for working families in the District.”

Mitchell emphasized that these endorsements are part of a broader strategy to build progressive governing power across the District. “This is just the beginning,” he added. “In the coming months, the Working Families Party will make additional endorsements in local D.C. races, continuing to build a bench of leaders who are accountable to working people and prepared to govern with courage and integrity.”

Janeese Lewis George brings deep neighborhood roots and a track record of turning progressive values into durable policy wins. As a member of the D.C. Council, she has been the District’s most tenacious advocate for fully funding childcare and passing the Pay Equity Fund for childcare workers.  She led the charge to stop pandemic evictions and passed the Hearts and Home Amendment to fund housing for the unhouse. She has led efforts to protect workers, strengthen public education, and advance racial equity while building coalitions across D.C.’s eight wards. As mayor, she will bring steady, people-first leadership focused on making the city more affordable, delivering excellent public services, protecting residents from displacement, and restoring trust in government.

Robert White is a fifth-generation Washingtonian who grew up in a single-parent household that had to chase more affordable rents to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. On the Council, Robert is a proven, progressive fighter for the issues that matter to working families across all eight of D.C.’s wards. As Chair of the Council’s Committee on Housing, he has spearheaded the fight to secure critical funding for affordable housing. He has championed childhood education and expanded paid family leave by protecting workers’ benefits. He also authored and passed landmark legislation that made DC the first U.S. jurisdiction to restore voting rights to residents incarcerated with felony convictions. His leadership on vocational training and workplace protections underscores a commitment to meaningful jobs and quality healthcare. In Congress, he will be a formidable advocate for D.C. statehood, federal investments in working families, and a coalition to defend the District’s right to self-governance.