McDuffie resigns, increasing mayoral speculation

What's CITY Talking About

McDuffie Resigns, Will He Run For Mayor?

Councilmember At-Large Kenyan McDuffie announced he will be resigning Jan. 5 after more than 13 years on the D.C. Council. Although he has not officially declared, the move has further fueled speculation that he plans to run for mayor in November. He would be the second candidate to enter the field after Janeese Lewis George. [WUSA9]

• Here’s who else to watch in D.C.’s 2026 election season. [City Cast DC]

Local Leaders Pave the Way for Ranked Choice Voting

Ranked choice voting will be used in D.C.'s upcoming 2026 elections after D.C. Council rejected a bill yesterday that would have delayed its rollout. Supporters say it comes at a good time as there are so many candidates on the ballot. [X/@maustermuhle]

At US Capitol, Robert E. Lee Statue Replaced

A statue of Barbara Rose Johns, who in 1951 led a walk out for Black students at her segregated high school, has replaced one of Robert E. Lee that stood in the U.S. Capitol for over a century. [Washington Post 🔒]

Bowser Defends MPD Chief And DC Crime Stats

Mayor Bowser blasted a recent congressional report claiming D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith manipulated crime data as being “politically motivated.” Bowser wrote that the investigation — which is not yet complete — was released early and without relevant context in order to grab headlines before Smith’s retirement in the new year. [Washington Post 🔒]

• Related: Morgan Kane is reportedly the leading candidate for the next police chief. [ABC7]

Traffic Deaths Are Down, But Not Enough

In 2025, D.C. has had a 50% drop in traffic deaths compared to the same point last year, but given its goal of “Vision Zero,” that’s not good enough. The Washington Post’s Rachel Weiner and Ian Duncan chatted with us about their major investigative project on pedestrian safety and how the city can actually reach “Vision Zero.” [Washington Post/City Cast DC 🎧]

What To Do