Gov. Affairs | Issue 25.1 | January 22, 2026
DC’s 2026 Elections: What Nonprofit Leaders Need to Know
By Starsha Valentine, CCO+ Partner
The 2026 DC elections are going to be one of the most consequential since the establishment of Home Rule in 1975. The increased federal intervention, budget cuts, leadership and Council turnover, will have long lasting implications on the management and funding of critical services throughout all 8 wards of the District. Below are the key dynamics nonprofit leaders should be tracking as they plan for 2026 and beyond.
1. A Broad Leadership Reset
For the first time in more than a decade, DC will elect a new mayor, alongside significant turnover on the Council. This moment represents not just a change in leadership but a potential shift in priorities, processes, infrastructure, and political power.
2. An Open and Crowded Mayoral Race
With Mayor Bowser’s decision not to seek reelection, there has been a rally to enter the race; there are currently 13 (as of 1/15) declared candidates and possibly more expected to enter. Although there will be a normal primary for both Democratic and Republican candidates, due to the city’s historical voting record, the race is likely to be decided in the June Democratic primary rather than the November general election.
3. Significant Council Turnover Ahead
Multiple Council seats will change hands, including:
Two At-Large seats
Ward 1
Potential additional vacancies of Robert White (who’s running for Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Congressional seat) and Trayon White (under investigation by the DC states attorney) which may trigger special elections.
4. Federal Intervention and Home Rule at the Forefront
Congressional oversight and federal overreach into DC’s affairs and politics are central campaign issues for all candidates. The decades-long campaign for DC statehood and protecting home rule in the interim, remain a top priority for mayoral and Council candidates. Regional coordination efforts with Maryland and Virginia are also top of mind to address these unique challenges for the District’s decision-making process.
5. Ranked-Choice Voting Launches in 2026
The June primary will be DC’s first election using ranked-choice voting. This change may favor more robust, collaborative approaches to political strategy.
Recommendations for Nonprofit Leaders
Engage early and often: Educate yourself on candidate policy stances and begin relationship-building before the June primaries.
Prepare for change: Expect shifts in priorities, delays, and policy resets as new leaders take office.
Plan for funding uncertainty: Contracting and grantmaking may be slower or more competitive.
Rebuild relationships: Many policymakers will be new or have new staff; institutional knowledge may get lost in the shuffle.
Ensure you have data to demonstrate impact: Emphasize how your work helps the city and its residents thrive.
Final Advice: 2026 is not a “wait and see” year. For organizations that serve DC residents and/or receive District funding, early engagement, flexibility and clear impact narratives will be critical to navigating the next chapter of the city’s political future.
