Three challengers, two incumbents get labor nod in DC City Council primary

Earlier today, the Metropolitan Washington Council (MWC), AFL-CIO announced the endorsement in the Washington D.C. June 2 Democratic primary of incumbent D.C. Councilmembers Robert White (at-large) and Trayon White (Ward 8), as well as Jordan Grossman in the open Ward 2 council seat, and challengers Janeese Lewis George (Ward 4) and Anthony Lorenzo Green (Ward 7).

"The MWC is proud to be the voice of organized labor with a legacy of accomplishments in the Metropolitan Washington region. Our members vote their values and consider every election important because of its impact on working families," said Acting President Andrew Washington. "We must elect officials who are not afraid to publicly support labor unions and champion legislation for working men and women that protects and lifts the quality of life for the people who work in the District. These candidates are best equipped to do just that and we look forward to working with them."

The MWC's Committee on Political Education (COPE) conducted a thorough endorsement process that included extensive candidate questionnaires (link) focusing on issues concerning the region’s working people, in-person screenings, lively debate and then recommendations to the MWC executive board and delegates, who voted earlier this week via well-attended Zoom meetings.

"We are facing unprecedented challenges as we move into a new reality for working people, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic," said Washington D.C. COPE Co-Chair Chuck Clay. "The people of Washington D.C. and the workforce that support the District must have a council committed to pro-worker values that will  protect and expand collective bargaining, worker's safety, affordable access to healthcare and ensure that the cost of living in the District is affordable to the people who work here."

About MWC:  The MWC and its affiliated unions represent 150,000 area union members from several international unions. Our members serve in a cross-section of sectors including service and hospitality, retail, communications, transportation, manufacturing, construction and building trades, and public sector employees.