Kenyan McDuffie Ramps Up Attacks in D.C. Mayor's Race

The first open mayoral election in a generation is sparking debates on key issues as McDuffie tries to differentiate himself from opponent Janeese Lewis George.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Mayoral candidate Kenyan McDuffie is dialing up the intensity in the race for D.C. mayor, launching attacks against his opponent Janeese Lewis George and getting a pep talk from former mayor Adrian Fenty as he seeks to position himself as the veteran lawmaker in the race.

Why it matters

The first open mayor's race in a generation is sparking debates about issues like immigration policy and funding for child care, and the race between McDuffie and Lewis George is getting increasingly heated as they try to distinguish themselves from one another.

The details

After Lewis George's high-profile campaign launch at the Howard Theatre, McDuffie has been on a spree of meet-and-greets, with insiders saying he's been getting advice from former mayor Adrian Fenty on being aggressive and relentless in his campaigning. McDuffie has also sought counsel from other former mayors, including Anthony Williams and Sharon Pratt, who endorsed him this week. As McDuffie tries to present himself as the veteran lawmaker, Lewis George has attacked him for being ineffective, accusing him of failing to get his own pet projects like baby bonds across the finish line. McDuffie has fired back, calling Lewis George's claims "false" and criticizing her "not-so-universal childcare policy."

  • The Democratic primary election is scheduled for June 16, 2026.
  • McDuffie and Lewis George are currently the two frontrunners in fundraising for the race.

The players

Kenyan McDuffie

A mayoral candidate in the race for D.C. mayor, positioning himself as the veteran lawmaker in the race.

Janeese Lewis George

A D.C. Council member and mayoral candidate, who has been described as a democratic socialist.

Adrian Fenty

The former mayor of Washington, D.C. who has been providing campaign advice to McDuffie.

Anthony Williams

A former mayor of Washington, D.C. who has endorsed McDuffie.

Sharon Pratt

A former mayor of Washington, D.C. who has endorsed McDuffie.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This race is heating up as the two frontrunners, McDuffie and Lewis George, try to distinguish themselves on key issues like immigration and child care funding. With the first open mayoral election in a generation, D.C. voters will have an important choice to make in the June primary.