WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Working Families Party (WFP) is endorsing Council of the District of Columbia candidates Dr. Oye Owolewa, the current shadow representative of the United States House of Representatives from the District of Columbia, for the At-Large seat and activist Aparna Raj for Ward 1 in the June 16th primary election. The Party is also endorsing incumbents Zachary Parker (Ward 5) and Charles Allen (Ward 6). These are in addition to the Party’s earlier announcements of support for Janeese Lewis George for DC Mayor and Robert White for Congress. Collectively, the WFP slate is the next generation of people-powered leadership with a proven record of governance that delivers real results for working families.

Washington, D.C. is at a defining crossroads. Long-standing leadership transitions, escalating federal pressure, and deepening affordability challenges are reshaping the political terrain and demanding a new generation of bold, accountable leadership backed by a strong governing coalition.

“Working Families Party is endorsing Oye Owolewa and Aparna Raj, both of whom organize with working people, deliver results, and govern with courage,” said Vidal Hines, Working Families Party’s Mid-Atlantic Senior Political Director. “Working Families Party is the leading force building a new working families-led governing coalition backed by veteran legislators. Our candidates are the answer to the hard questions residents are asking about who City Hall is accountable to and whether our government is prepared to meet the urgency of this moment.”

As D.C.’s Shadow Representative, Oye Owolewa has fought for full democracy and dignity for District residents, leading the charge for D.C. statehood and equal representation while also showing up locally for constituents. He is a hands-on leader east of the Anacostia River, organizing, advocating, and delivering for communities that are frequently overlooked.

Aparna Raj is a renter, a union member, a community organizer, and a proud daughter of immigrants who has spent years fighting for affordable housing and strong labor protections. Raj has organized tenants, workers, and neighbors to challenge rent hikes, expand tenant protections, and demand housing justice in Ward 1 and across the District.

Incumbents Zachary Parker (Ward 5) and Charles Allen (Ward 6) have a strong record of advancing policies that strengthen schools and communities as well as expanding affordable housing and strengthening community spaces.

“I’m deeply grateful for the Working Families Party’s endorsement. I share their values and their commitment to fighting for dignity, freedom, and opportunity for working people,” said Dr. Oye Owolewa. “As a pharmacist, DC’s U.S. Representative, and a candidate for DC Council At-Large, I’m committed to fighting alongside the Working Families Party for our community, our health, and our shared future.”  

“Working Families Party has always been a powerful force fighting for working people and building a truly people-centered movement,” said Aparna Raj. “I am honored to have their support as we fight for a Ward 1 and a DC with rent caps, free childcare, worker power, strong schools, and statehood.”

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.

“I met Oye five years ago while I was campaigning. He was always encouraging and helpful. Oye has consistently supported seniors, and as a pharmacist, he regularly supports the health fairs for seniors in my neighborhood,” said Beatrice Evans, a senior citizen who lives in Ward Seven. “I support his campaign for DC Council At-Large because he leads with compassion and has unwavering integrity.”

“Growing up going to Oyster-Adams Bilingual School, I got to learn how so many of my family’s stories of facing fascist state repression in Argentina overlapped with those of my classmates’ families from El Salvador and Guatemala,” said Julian Abedelo, an MDC DSA organizer. “Today, DC faces that same threat, with masked men pulling our neighbors into unmarked cars, while they were just on their morning commute trying to afford life in a city that keeps getting more expensive. I’m supporting Aparna because I have seen her show up for our community at rent strikes, picket lines, and fighting back against ICE. I know that she will be the champion our ward needs in the Wilson Building.”