Lewis George pivots past primary toward D.C. general

After Kenyan McDuffie conceded and The Associated Press called the Democratic mayoral primary, D.C. Council member Janeese Lewis George said she’s already working on transition planning and early budget priorities—while preparing to face Green Party candidate

When Kenyan McDuffie conceded the Democratic mayoral primary for Washington, D.C., Janeese Lewis George didn’t just thank voters—she started talking like November was already on her calendar.

Speaking to reporters at Bus Boys and Poets in Northwest D.C. Lewis George said. “I am feeling so just grateful. My heart is just grateful to the people of D.C.” Ranked choice votes were still being tabulated. but she is now positioned to become the Democratic nominee after The Associated Press called the race for her.

Even as she continues serving on the D.C. Council. Lewis George said she is preparing not only for the general election months away. but for what comes after the vote. “We have obviously started as a team having early conversations about transition. What we plan on having is a very professional and well-run transition. and we are excited to discuss some of that rollout in the coming weeks. ” she said.

She described that planning as including early work on a budget and key policy priorities. Lewis George said she will keep representing residents of Ward 4 “until I am sworn in as the mayor of District of Columbia.”

McDuffie, her main challenger, reached out as well. Lewis George said he called her Thursday morning. “Kenyan McDuffie graciously called to congratulate me, and I’m honored to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for the mayor of Washington, D.C.,” she said.

Lewis George tied her primary momentum to two issues that she said resonated with voters: affordability and government effectiveness. “I think what was clear is that affordability is an issue in this city, and there has to be leadership who’s ready to address it,” she said.

If elected mayor, Lewis George pointed to lowering utility costs, improving basic city services, and expanding support for families. She also said her campaign team has started working with budget analysts on ways to make city agencies more efficient and effective when it comes to spending and saving.

“I’m excited to have early conversations with colleagues about what our first budget will look like, how we can preserve social safety nets across the board through healthcare and housing and education, and what that looks like,” she said.

Her campaign has also emphasized confrontation with President Donald Trump, and Lewis George said she intends to keep that door open to cooperation when it serves D.C. residents. She said she would work across political lines, including with the White House.

“I want to make sure that the president understands that I am willing to work with anyone to the benefit of D.C. residents, and that includes President Trump and members of his administration,” Lewis George said.

At the same time, she said she would avoid stepping on the current mayor’s timeline. To avoid interfering with Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration, Lewis George said she would wait for a request from the Trump administration before starting initial talks with the president and others.

Another priority for her, she said, is rebuilding trust between the community and law enforcement. Lewis George said the work would include collaborating with police leaders and unions and launching a search for a new police chief. “I’ve committed to rebuilding the trust that’s necessary within the police department and the police department with our community. ” she said.

As the campaign moves into the general election, she said her message will remain consistent even as the field broadens beyond the Democratic primary. “I plan to be a mayor for everyone who calls this city home, no matter who you voted for,” Lewis George said.

In the general election, she will face Green Party candidate Robert Gross, and there are also 11 independent candidates vying for the job.

Washington D.C. mayoral race Janeese Lewis George Kenyan McDuffie ranked choice voting Democratic primary Muriel Bowser President Donald Trump police chief search Robert Gross Green Party independent candidates