BySHIRA LI BARTOV/JTA

JUNE 17, 2026 22:53

A democratic socialist known for sharp criticism of Israel while pledging to shield Jews from antisemitism leads Tuesday's Democratic primary for mayor of Washington, DC, setting the stage for a progressive victory in the nation's capital.

Janeese Lewis George, a sitting DC Council member, secured just over half the votes among the 65 percent counted by Wednesday morning. Kenyan McDuffie, a moderate former council member, trailed well behind in second place.

Because this is DC's first ranked-choice voting election, final results may take time and could shift. Early numbers have sparked hope among Lewis George's backers and worry among critics, including Jewish leaders locally and nationally.

Some Jewish leaders faulted Lewis George after she accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and vowed to skip events that obscure occupation realities or advance Zionism and apartheid. She also ruled out political trips to Israel. Those pledges came in a questionnaire for the Metro DC chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, which later endorsed her.

The contest highlighted a broader debate over Washington, DC's direction. With most voters registered as Democrats, the shadow of President Donald Trump's potential moves against the city hung over the vote. The primary winner is expected to prevail in November and replace Mayor Muriel E. Bowser, who steps down after 12 years.

DC candidate draws parallels to Zohran Mamdani

The race also stirred national talk about the rising strength of left-wing, pro-Palestinian figures in city politics. Observers compared Lewis George to Zohran Mamdani, the democratic socialist who became New York City mayor last year. A similar progressive contender may win in Los Angeles, and Chicago has had a progressive Democrat critical of Israel since 2023.

The Wall Street Journal warned before the primary that DC faced a Mamdani moment, a pointed assessment from the paper's conservative editorial board.

The head of Our Revolution, the progressive group started by Sen. Bernie Sanders, welcomed the comparison. The leader told USA Today that wins by candidates such as Lewis George and Mamdani show voters seek real change.

Lewis George's campaign centers on affordability in DC. Yet her DSA questionnaire drew controversy once released.

Ron Halber of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington told The Washington Post the answers raised questions about whether a Lewis George administration would be attuned to Jewish community needs.

In the questionnaire Lewis George said she would still engage groups that hold differing views. She cited a JCRC-hosted meeting where she disagreed with the group's stance against calling Israel's Gaza actions genocide, its definition of antisemitism that limits dissent, and its criticism of activists, yet saw room for common ground.

She attended the event to push for ending ICE cooperation, find partners on that issue, and advance shared aims of halting inhumane treatment of neighbors targeted by ICE, she said.

Lewis George received backing from the Jews United for Justice Campaign Fund, which advances economic, social, and racial justice. The group stated in its endorsement that she would champion communities and Jewish values.

Palestinian support and antisemitism opposition seen as compatible

Following criticism of the questionnaire, Lewis George held private talks with local rabbis and Jewish leaders in March to address concerns, Jewish Insider reported. Soon after she posted on her campaign site that backing Palestinian human rights and opposing antisemitism do not clash.

She wrote to the DC Jewish community that she would not include or exclude residents based on their views about local or global matters and would always safeguard their freedom, safety, and belonging.

Lewis George noted she has visited synagogues since middle school and partnered with Jewish groups as a council member, including obtaining security grants for synagogues and schools.

She also listed her record supporting Palestinians, noting she was among the first council members to urge a Gaza ceasefire and to meet George Washington University students calling for one.

The DSA opposes the Israeli government and asks candidates about Israel before endorsing. While the party faces resistance in Democratic circles, national Democratic views have moved toward Palestinians since 2023, with 65 percent expressing more sympathy for them in a February Gallup poll.

McDuffie faulted Lewis George's DSA answers and said the city has no room for excluding any community, Washington Jewish Week reported. He largely steered clear of Israel questions, telling Jewish Insider that foreign policy is not a mayor's domain.

The Middle East issue faded in the race's final days, which centered on living costs and resisting the Trump administration. Both Lewis George and McDuffie claimed they could better counter federal interference as National Guard troops patrol amid immigration enforcement and as thousands lose government jobs.

Trump warned at the Oval Office on Thursday that he would reclaim Washington and run it federally if Lewis George wins.

The Tuesday primary used ranked-choice voting, letting voters rank up to five candidates. If no one reaches 50 percent, the lowest candidate is eliminated and those votes shift to second choices. The process repeats until a majority emerges. This method means final results can take days.