Washington D.C.'s First Council Expulsion: Trayon White Runs to Reclaim his Seat After Federal Corruption Charges

On this episode: The Washington, D.C., Council is holding a special election on July 15 in Ward 8 to fill the seat vacated by the expulsion of Councilmember Trayon White. White is the first council member in the district’s history to be removed from office. White was charged with federal bribery in August after federal authorities alleged he was recorded accepting cash envelopes in exchange for helping to steer city contracts. He had won reelection to the seat in November 2024 with approximately three-quarters of the vote before the council unanimously voted to expel him. White is one of the candidates seeking to regain the seat in the special election. Other candidates include advisory neighborhood commissioner Salima Dofo, former mayoral aide Sheila Bunn, and attorney Mike Austin. The election occurs against the backdrop of recent statements by President Trump regarding potential federal involvement in D.C. governance and the historical importance of Ward 8 as the political base of former Mayor Marion Barry. White’s federal trial is scheduled for January 2026.Catch up on the race: https://news.ballotpedia.org/2025/06/27/seven-candidates-are-running-in-a-special-election-for-ward-8-of-the-washington-d-c-city-council/ Follow our guest’s reporting: https://wamu.org/person/alex-koma/ Complete a brief 5 minute survey to review the show and share some feedback: https://forms.gle/zPxYSog5civyvEKX6 Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates Stream "On the Ballot" on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you have questions, comments, or love for BP, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or on X (formerly Twitter) @Ballotpedia.*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.