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🇮🇱 Israel /Elections & Politics

DC mayoral primary: Democratic socialist critical of Israel leads vote

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Janeese Lewis George, a democratic socialist critical of Israel, leads the Washington, DC mayoral primary.
  • Her critics, including Jewish leaders, express concern over her past statements and campaign pledges.
  • The election, using ranked-choice voting, could signal a national trend of left-wing candidates gaining traction in local politics.

Janeese Lewis George, a democratic socialist who has sharply criticized Israel, is leading the Democratic primary for mayor in Washington, DC. Her potential victory, if she secures enough votes in the ranked-choice system, could position the nation's capital to elect a progressive leader.

events focused on obfuscating the realities of occupation or promoting Zionism and apartheid

— Janeese Lewis GeorgeLewis George's pledge in response to a questionnaire from the Metro DC chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Lewis George, a DC Council member, had garnered just over half of the counted votes by Wednesday morning, with former City Council member Kenyan McDuffie trailing in second place. The election marks DC's first use of ranked-choice voting, which may delay final results. However, early returns have sparked optimism among her supporters and concern among critics, including Jewish leaders.

Concerns stem from Lewis George's past statements, such as accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza and vowing not to attend events that "obfuscate the realities of occupation or promote Zionism and apartheid." She made these commitments in response to a questionnaire from the Metro DC chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, which endorsed her. Critics worry about her stance on Israel and its implications for the city.

a Mamdani moment

— The Wall Street JournalThe conservative editorial board's characterization of the DC mayoral primary race.

The race is seen as a fight for the future of Washington, DC, where Democrats dominate. The winner is expected to succeed retiring Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and is heavily favored to win the general election. The outcome also fuels a national conversation about the growing influence of left-wing, pro-Palestinian candidates in local politics, with similar trends observed in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

a questionnaire raised “a lot

— Ron HalberHead of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, commenting on Lewis George's DSA questionnaire.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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