Progressive leading DC mayoral primary amid Israel criticism

Democratic socialist Janeese Lewis George is leading the race for mayor in Washington, D.C., in a primary that could see the nation's capital elect a progressive leader.

Lewis George, a current D.C. councilmember, had secured just over half of the votes counted by Wednesday morning. Kenyan McDuffie, a moderate former councilmember, trailed in second place. The election's use of ranked-choice voting means final results may take time to tabulate and could still shift.

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

Her early lead has energized supporters but also raised concerns among critics, including Jewish leaders. These critics point to 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 responses to a questionnaire from the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America, which endorsed her.

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a lot of concern about whether an administration of hers would be sensitive to the Jewish community or not

The race is unfolding against the backdrop of a national conversation about the growing influence of left-wing, pro-Palestinian voices in local politics. Observers have drawn parallels to similar progressive candidates in New York City and Los Angeles. The Wall Street Journal's editorial board has characterized the D.C. primary as a potential "Mamdani moment," referencing a progressive mayor in New York.

While Lewis George's platform primarily focuses on affordability in D.C., her questionnaire responses have sparked debate. Ron Halber, head of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, told The Washington Post that the questionnaire generated "a lot of concern about whether an administration of hers would be sensitive to the Jewish community or not."

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a Mamdani moment