NEWS: Ward One Democrats Launch Endorsement Process for DC’s 2026 Primary
Invites all registered Democrats in Ward 1 to join its transparent, member-driven process
PRESS RELEASE
Feb. 16, 2026
Media Contact:
Corresponding Secretary
Press@Ward1Democrats.org
WASHINGTON – Ward One Democrats has launched its endorsement process for the June 16, 2026, Democratic primary, opening consideration in the races for D.C. Council Ward 1, mayor, and party committee seats. The organization, which represents more than 40,000 Democrats in the city’s most diverse ward, said it will deploy its full organizational resources to support endorsed candidates, including direct communications to Democratic primary voters across Ward 1.
“We believe who wins matters, and so we want our endorsement to reflect the values and priorities of Ward 1 residents,” said Gabrielle Rogoff, vice chair of Ward One Democrats and chair of the endorsements subcommittee. “Our questionnaires were developed in a transparent, member-driven process designed to put candidates on the record and give our members the information they need to make an informed decision. We invite all registered Democrats living in Ward 1 to join us in this endorsement process so that every voice is heard and that any endorsement we make reflects the diversity of this community.”
Candidates seeking consideration must submit a completed questionnaire by 11:59 p.m. ET on March 14, 2026. Ward One Democrats said it developed the questionnaire using member feedback collected through an open survey, and that the Ward 1 Democratic Committee adopted it on Jan. 22, 2026. Candidate responses will be published at Ward1Democrats.org shortly after the deadline to help voters compare positions ahead of the June 16 primary.
The 2026 election marks the first open Ward 1 Council race in more than four decades and the first open mayoral race in 12 years. It also will be the first citywide primary conducted under ranked-choice voting.
“With an open seat and a crowded field, trusted voter guidance aligned with the will of the people has never been more critical,” Rogoff said. “Ward One Democrats is conducting a rigorous, transparent, and member-driven endorsement process rooted in equity, responsibility, and civic participation.”
Ward One Democrats will host a candidate forum March 21 and hold its endorsement vote April 11. Additional details will be posted at Ward1Democrats.org/events.
More information about the endorsement process is available at Ward1Democrats.org. Candidates may request a questionnaire by emailing info@ward1democrats.org.
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About the Ward One Democrats:
Ward One Democrats is the official Democratic Party organization for Ward 1 in Washington, D.C.— home to more than 40,000 registered Democrats and the city’s most racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse neighborhoods, including Columbia Heights, Adams Morgan, Howard University, Mount Pleasant, Park View, Pleasant Plains, and LeDroit Park. We bring together neighbors to strengthen the Democratic Party, support its candidates, and encourage civic participation across our diverse community. Learn more at Ward1Democrats.org!
Media Contact:
Corresponding Secretary
Ward One Democrats
press@ward1democrats.org
(202) 656-1632
