President Donald Trump proposed the idea that the federal government might “take back” Washington, D.C., if Janeese Lewis George, a democratic socialist currently leading in the polls for the Democratic primary, wins the district’s mayoral race this year.
The D.C. mayoral race has become heavily influenced by reactions against Trump’s administration. The tensions have escalated as Trump has continuously clashed with leaders in the predominantly Democratic district and other left-leaning cities over topics such as immigration and public safety. Washington, D.C., known as one of the most liberal areas in the nation, gave Trump fewer than 7 percent of its votes in the 2024 election. Consequently, the candidate who wins the June 16 Democratic primary is expected to triumph in the general election.
While speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said he “wouldn’t like it” if Lewis George won the election, suggesting the potential for federal intervention in D.C.’s leadership. He emphasized the city’s current safety and beauty.
Lewis George is currently leading in polls and prediction markets. Newsweek contacted leading D.C. mayoral campaigns for comments.
DC Mayoral Candidates Respond to Trump’s Statements
D.C. mayoral candidates pushed back against Trump’s comments in statements made to Newsweek.
Rini Sampath, a cybersecurity director, expressed her surprise at Trump’s remarks and emphasized the need to prevent federal interference in local elections. She highlighted that D.C., as a majority-Black city, has fought against federal control to ensure local governance.
Ernest Johnson, CEO of the nonprofit Friends of the Frank Reeves Center, remarked that Trump’s statements underscored the importance of protecting D.C.’s autonomy. He criticized Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie for not doing enough to safeguard the city’s independence and addressing key issues.
Hope Solomon, with experience in national security, criticized other candidates for refusing to work with the current administration, advocating for a mayor who can negotiate effectively. She stressed the importance of political negotiation amidst a budget crisis.
Janeese Lewis George’s Polling Status
Janeese Lewis George has shown a lead in the Democratic primary based on two polls using a ranked-choice system, where voters rank candidates by preference. If no candidate reaches 50 percent, the lowest-ranked is eliminated, and votes are redistributed until a candidate secures a majority.
The Washington Post/George Mason University poll (May 27-June 1; 836 likely Democratic voters) indicated:
- Janeese Lewis George: 36 percent
- Kenyan McDuffie: 25 percent
- Vincent Orange: 4 percent
- Gary Goodweather: 3 percent
- Rini Sampath: 3 percent
- Ernest Johnson: 1 percent
- Hope Solomon: 1 percent
The City Cast/TrueDot poll (May 12-17; 487 registered Democrats) showed:
- Janeese Lewis George: 39 percent
- Kenyan McDuffie: 34 percent
- Gary Goodweather: 7 percent
- Vincent Orange: 5 percent
- Rini Sampath: 4 percent
- Ernest Johnson: 3 percent
- Hope Solomon: 2 percent
The general election is likely to favor the Democratic nominee because of the district’s liberal demographic.
Prediction Markets and Lewis George’s Chances
Prediction markets indicate Lewis George has a strong chance of winning, with an 89 percent chance on Kalshi and an 87 percent chance on Polymarket. These markets allow trading contracts tied to political results, reflecting trader sentiment but not always predicting outcomes.
About Janeese Lewis George
Lewis George is a member of the Council of the District of Columbia. Holding a law degree from Howard University and with experience as a prosecutor in Philadelphia, she was first elected in 2020. A democratic socialist, she has received endorsement from the local Democratic Socialists of America chapter. Her victory would mark the first time a democratic socialist serves as mayor in Washington, D.C.
Past Comments on D.C. Home Rule
Trump has previously suggested revoking D.C.’s home rule because of crime concerns. In August 2025, he commented on the need for federal control to ensure safety and order in the city, following a carjacking incident involving a government employee.
Home rule was established in 1973 through the Home Rule Act, signed by President Richard Nixon, allowing D.C. residents to elect local leaders. However, Congress retains significant local control. Changing this agreement would require congressional approval, as the U.S. Constitution designates Congress with local governance powers in D.C.
Recent legislative attempts by Senator Mike Lee and Representative Andy Ogles to revoke home rule have not gained enough support to pass in Congress.