*A democratic socialist who has pledged to challenge federal overreach is now positioned to become the next mayor of Washington, D.C.
Janeese Lewis George secured the Democratic primary on Tuesday, all but guaranteeing her path to the mayor’s office in November, The Associated Press reports. Her win comes as Trump has openly floated stripping the city of its self-governance, having warned last week that he might place D.C. under federal control if she prevailed.
Lewis George didn’t shy away from that threat ahead of the vote. “We are not going to get ICE off our streets by fearing this president,” she said, framing resistance to federal pressure as essential to preserving the city’s limited self-rule. “We are not going to protect our rights or Home Rule by obeying in advance.”
That self-rule, known as home rule, dates back to federal legislation passed in the early 1970s. It lets residents elect their own mayor and council, but Congress still signs off on the city’s budget and laws, leaving ultimate authority outside local hands.
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Following her win, Lewis George struck a more measured tone, saying she hopes to find common ground with Washington. Still, she made her limits clear. “We are not going to be able to stand up for our autonomy and fight for D.C. statehood ultimately, by just complying in advance,” she said. “I have also been very clear that I will work with anyone including the president for the best interest of D.C. residents.”
Lewis George replaces outgoing mayor Muriel Bowser, who chose not to run for a fourth term. Beyond her standoff with the administration, she has built her campaign around affordability, pushing for rent support and relief from high utility costs.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Janeese Lewis George Fires Back at Trump’s D.C. Takeover Suggestion
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