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Serving Our Community in the DMV
Vol 61 No 37
With Mayoral Victory More Certain, Lewis George Lays Out Next Steps
Maryland’s 2026 Primary Election Results
By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter
After Kenyan McDuffie’s Concession, Ward 4 D.C. Councilmember Now Presumptive Democratic Nominee for D.C.’s Top Spot
By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. and Demarco Rush WI Senior Staff Writer and WI Contributing Writer Two days and one concession later, Janeese Lewis George stands as the District’s presumptive Democratic mayoral nominee. Even as the Ward 4 council member and democratic socialist focuses on wrapping up her legislative work, she continues to engage current D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with other local and national leaders— all part of what she calls the start of a journey to institutional change. “The conversations that we are having is one where we can have a successful transition of D.C. government and that all of us are aligned in preserving D.C.'s autonomy and fighting for our statehood, Lewis George said during a Thursday afternoon press conference, “and making sure that we are taking the necessary steps that are needed.” Before addressing local and national press at Busboys and Poets on 14th Street NW, Lewis George spoke with former 5 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, the District’s presumptive D.C. Council member Kenyan McDuffie, her principal Democratic mayoral nominee, speaks at a press conference at Busboys and Poets on 14th Street NW, hours after her opponent Kenyan McDuffie
VICTORY Page 40 conceded on June 18. (Demarco Rush/The Washington Informer)
Remembering the Movement, Reclaiming the Moment LGBTQ+ Leaders say Pride Extends Beyond Celebration
By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor
5 Following Saturday’s 51st annual Capital Pride Parade, local queer advocates are leading a yearlong mission to increase visibility and support for the LGBTQ+ community. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
June 25 - July 1, 2026
With citywide celebrations and activations galore, celebrating LGBTQ+ communities took center stage across D.C. this June. Yet beyond themes and festivities, many queer advocates view Pride as a year-round call to live authentically and visibly –– and
PRIDE Page 8
Capture the Moment Page 33
With polls closing at 8 p.m. on June 23, and mail-in ballots still being tallied, some politicians across the state are celebrating as others await answers for Maryland’s 2026 Democratic primaries. With several new County Executives, a new member of Congress, and changes to the state legislature, the election –– regardless of outcome –– is sure to shape the dynamics of state politics. “It was important because a shift
has occurred –– a positive shift reflecting up and coming communities, especially the African American community that has given so much back,” said Clem Kaikis, a longtime state and local political advocate. Del. Adrian Boafo (D-District 23) was officially declared the winner of the Fifth Congressional District primary, buoyed by the support of longtime Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D). “Tonight the Democratic voters of
PG ELECTION Page 12
2026 D.C. Democratic Primary Victories: An Outcome Years in the Making
By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. WI Senior Staff Writer
As the smoke clears from what’s been described as an earth-shattering Democratic primary, local progressives are relishing in electoral victories that promise to shift the mayor’s office and D.C. Council the furthest left it's been in more than a decade. However, as Jeremiah Lowery explained, those victories were the result of protracted struggle at the ballot box and in the hearts and minds of Wash-
ingtonians skeptical of change. “When we endorse a candidate, we’re having conversations at the doors with voters about why universal child care is important, why a sustainable transportation system throughout the whole city is important, why we need to tax the wealthy and actually invest in social services is important,” said Lowery, a lifelong Washingtonian and founder of Bike, Walk and Bus PAC. During the 2018 D.C. Democrat-
ELECTION Page 9 3 Since winning the primary for the D.C. Democratic at-large seat, Oye Owolewa says he’s preparing for his new job with the support of what he described as the “51 for Oye leadership governance team.” (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)
Celebrating 61 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information. JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2026 1
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