Saying his city is “at a crossroads,” former D.C. Council member Kenyan McDuffie announced his run for mayor.
During a sit-down interview with WTOP, McDuffie promised to work for an economy, with a touch of populism, that will lift residents citywide and to be a fighter for Home Rule and the rights of D.C. residents who feel like their rights are trampled by the federal government.
McDuffie recalled his roots as a mail carrier, a job he said, “changed my life.” From there, he paid his way through Howard University, became a lawyer and worked as a prosecutor before entering politics.
“My entire service has been about fighting for people who can’t fight for themselves, and delivering on the promise of our city,” McDuffie said.
“I know that there are people who are looking at the country right now and really struggling with what we’re seeing. They need somebody who brings a level of experience to be able to make that fight, but also to do it in a smart way.”
He joins a growing field of candidates, which includes his former colleague, Ward 4 Council member Janeese Lewis George. Others include Regan Jones and Robin Gross running as democrats and James McMorris and Rhonda Hamilton running as independents.
McDuffie spoke with WTOP from the living room of his family home — where he grew up and has been in his family for generations. He also has a pair of faded, yellow seats from the old RFK Stadium.
Below are his full answers, lightly edited for clarity, to the issues he was asked about.