DC Ward 8 Member of the Council Choose 1
Ward 8 Member of the Council of the District of Columbia (Desplácese hacia abajo para leer en español. Clic en Leer más Read More para español)Duties: Represents residents from Ward 8The Council’s central role is to make laws for D.C. It is also the chief policy-making body for the city. In addition, Councilmembers responsibilities include responding to constituents’ concerns, oversight of multiple agencies, commissions, boards and other entities of District government. (source: https://dccouncil.us)Term: 4 yearsAnnual Salary: $140,000 (approximately)Concejal de Distrito 8Descripción: Miembro del Consejo del Distrito de Columbia Funciones:Representa los intereses de los ciudadanos de Distrito 8. La función principal del Consejo es elaborar leyes para el Distrito de Columbia. Además, entre las responsabilidades de los miembros del Consejo figuran la supervisión de múltiples organismos, comisiones, juntas y otras entidades del gobierno del Distrito y la respuesta a las inquietudes de los electores.
Biographical Information
Campaign Email
upward8@yahoo.com
Education
Master’s Degree, American University
Qualifications
12 Years of federal service leadership & 7 years of entrepreneurship in the technology sector & banking,
Why do you want to be the Councilmember for Ward 8?
I have seen and heard what disparities and neglect have done to our community, and that is why I am running for the Ward 8 Councilmember vacant position.
For too long, Ward 8 citizens have been treated as an afterthought—citing location and underinvestment as barriers to progress and historical underfunding from 7 previous Mayors under the diguise of “DC Home Rule” equality.
Why are you a good choice for Ward 8? What experience or training qualify you?
Candidate has not yet responded.
If you win, what will you do to make our city's finances better?
TAX EXEMPT: 74,000 Ward 8 residents will be liberated from the “TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION” economic model under DC HOME RULE. Under my leadership, Ward 8 Advisory Neighborhood Commission offices will be converted as follows:
1-Community Engagement and Advocacy - Amplifying resident voices, encouraging civic participation, and ensuring government responsiveness;
2-Economic Development and Opportunity - Promoting job creation, workforce development in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, and providing support for local entrepreneurs;
3-Quality of Life and Infrastructure—strengthening public transit, housing accessibility, food security, healthcare access and public safety initiatives.
What are two things in Ward 8 you want to change? How would you change them?
Candidate has not yet responded.
How will you ask people for their ideas? How will you involve residents in decisions?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Where do you like to go in Ward 8? What are your favorite places?
Where do you like to go in Ward 8? What are your favorite places? I often visit The Adas Israel Cemetery at 1400 Alabama Avenue SE, Washington, District of Columbia 20020 to visit the sacred sounds of the deceased. Any given day, visitors can visually see trash scattered throughout sacred grounds. A visitor is greeted by the following words “ Grant Us Peace, They Most Precious Gift O Thou Eternal Source of Peace… And To be A Messenger Of Peace Unto The Peoples Of The Earth.” I pledge my Ward 8 residents to remove the trash, restore peace and distribute the Capital wealth equally among all federal capital citizens.
Biographical Information
Campaign Email
campaign@salimadofo.com
Education
Batchelor of Arts (Political Science) University of the District fo Columbia
Qualifications
Chairperson Advisory Neighborhood 8C
Facebook
http://facebook.com/salimforward8
Campaign Twitter Handle
@salimforward8
Campaign YouTube URL
http://youtube.com/salimforward8
Website
salimforward8.com
Why do you want to be the Councilmember for Ward 8?
I’m running to be the Councilmember for Ward 8 because our community deserves consistent, accountable leadership that shows up and gets things done. As a U.S. Army veteran, ANC commissioner, and lifelong advocate, I’ve worked to make our neighborhoods safer, empower our youth, and expand access to opportunity. My top priorities are ending gun violence, improving education, and creating good jobs and affordable housing. Ward 8 needs opportunity, not opportunists. I will be out every day knocking doors, listening to residents, and making sure the voices of Ward 8 are respected and heard at every level of city government. I hope to earn your support because we are Ward 8.
Why are you a good choice for Ward 8? What experience or training qualify you?
I’m a U.S. Army veteran, longtime community advocate, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner who has worked to connect residents to jobs, improve public safety, and support youth programs. I’ve built relationships across the city and know how to navigate government to get things done. My experience has taught me how to listen, organize, and deliver results. As Councilmember, I will stay focused on Ward 8’s top priorities: ending gun violence, improving education, housing, and expanding economic opportunity. These are the issues I’ve been working on for years, and they will remain my focus every single day.
If you win, what will you do to make our city's finances better?
We need to make sure every dollar in the budget works for the people. That means focusing spending on what matters most: public safety, education, housing, and economic development. I will support cutting waste, improving oversight, and holding agencies accountable for how they spend taxpayer money. I believe in a budget that reflects the real priorities of working families, not special interests. I also support fair tax policies that ask more from those who can afford it, so we can invest in the services and infrastructure Ward 8 and the entire city need. A strong budget starts with clear priorities and responsible leadership.
What are two things in Ward 8 you want to change? How would you change them?
First, I want to reduce gun violence. That means reevaluating what’s working in our violence prevention programs and being honest about what isn’t. We need more support for returning citizens, job training, and youth engagement that actually reaches people. Second, I want to improve our schools by fighting for fair funding and better oversight. Ward 8 schools need more counselors, after-school programs, and family support—not just test prep. Safer communities and stronger schools create the foundation for everything else we need in Ward 8, from economic development to better housing and long-term opportunity.
How will you ask people for their ideas? How will you involve residents in decisions?
As Chair of the ANC 8C Commission, I already hold regular public meetings and stay in close contact with residents. I will carry that same approach to the Council. I’ll continue showing up, listening, and keeping the lines of communication open. That means being present at community events, responding directly to concerns, and creating a Ward 8 Council advisory group made up of residents from across the ward. People shouldn’t only hear from their elected officials during election season. Ward 8 has the ideas—we just need leadership that listens, follows through, and stays accountable every step of the way.
Where do you like to go in Ward 8? What are your favorite places?
Oxon Run Park is one of my favorite places to spend time and reflect. I also enjoy visiting Anacostia Park, especially when the community is out enjoying the space. My Three Sons Barbershop is more than just a place for a haircut — it’s a gathering spot where people share ideas and look out for one another. Georgina Players Lounge is a go-to for good food and conversation. These places represent what I love most about Ward 8: the sense of community, the connection between neighbors, and the pride we have in where we’re from. They keep me grounded and remind me why I’m committed to serving this ward.
Biographical Information
Campaign Email
info.MikeAustin8@gmail.com
Education
Attorney and Bachelors
Qualifications
I am qualified to serve as the next Ward 8 Councilmember based on my experience as Chair of ANC 8C, where I supported and approved the St. Elizabeths development project, provided grants to Ward 8 non-profits focused on mental health and wellness, and negotiated the largest community benefits agreement in Ward 8 history; as Associate General Counsel at United Medical Center, where I addressed legal and regulatory challenges and managed all contracts; and through my legislative leadership roles as Director for Ward 8 Councilmember LaRuby May and the Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity.
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/mike8austin8
Campaign Twitter Handle
@mike8austin
Campaign YouTube URL
http://www.youtube.com/@MikeForWard8
Website
https://www.mikeaustin8.com
Why do you want to be the Councilmember for Ward 8?
’m Mike Austin, a fourth-generation Ward 8 resident and lifelong public servant. I’ve served as ANC 8C Chair, Associate General Counsel at United Medical Center, and Legislative Director for both Councilmember LaRuby May and the Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity. I’ve negotiated the largest community benefits agreement in Ward 8 history and helped deliver jobs, housing, and mental health support. I’m running for Council to connect our people to opportunity, reduce unemployment, and make sure development truly benefits our community. Ward 8 deserves real results—not just promises.
Why are you a good choice for Ward 8? What experience or training qualify you?
I’m a good choice for Ward 8 because I bring deep roots, real experience, and a track record of results. As a fourth-generation resident, I understand our community’s needs. I’ve served as ANC 8C Chair, where I supported major development and negotiated the largest community benefits agreement in Ward 8. At United Medical Center, I solved legal challenges and managed contracts. I also served as Legislative Director for Councilmember LaRuby May and the Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity. I know how to navigate government, deliver resources, and connect our people to jobs, housing, and opportunity.
If you win, what will you do to make our city's finances better?
If I win, I will fight to make sure Ward 8 gets its fair share of city resources by strengthening oversight, increasing transparency, and demanding accountability in how DC spends our money. I will push for independent audits of city agencies and programs, especially those that impact underserved communities. Too often, money is allocated but never reaches the people who need it most. I will make sure we track every dollar, expose waste and mismanagement, and reinvest those funds into affordable housing, job training, youth programs, and public safety in Ward 8. Every budget decision should reflect our values—and our community’s needs.
What are two things in Ward 8 you want to change? How would you change them?
Two things I want to change in Ward 8 are our high unemployment rate and the persistent achievement gap in our schools. Too many residents want to work but can’t access good-paying jobs. I will expand job training programs, invest in apprenticeship opportunities, and require developers and city contractors to hire Ward 8 residents first. I’ll also work to close the achievement gap by making sure every school in Ward 8 has the resources it needs: strong teachers, after-school programs, and mental health support. I’ll fight for equity in education so our children can learn, grow, and compete with confidence across the city.
How will you ask people for their ideas? How will you involve residents in decisions?
I will keep the people of Ward 8 at the center of every decision. We will have an open-door policy where residents can reach out directly with concerns or ideas. I will open a full-time Ward 8 Council office right here in the community so people don’t have to travel downtown to be heard. We’ll host regular community meetings, town halls, and pop-up events in every neighborhood to gather input, share updates, and make decisions together. I believe leadership means listening, and I will involve residents at every step to make sure our policies reflect the real needs and priorities of the people.
Where do you like to go in Ward 8? What are your favorite places?
I love spending time at places in Ward 8 that bring people together. Players Lounge is one of my favorites, not just for the food and music, but because it represents the heart of the community. I also enjoy walking through Oxon Run Park, which gives families and kids a safe, green space to relax and connect. And while it’s just across the river, I appreciate the energy and growth in the Navy Yard, it reminds me of what’s possible when a community gets the investment it deserves. I want to bring that same kind of opportunity and vibrancy right here to Ward 8.
Biographical Information
Campaign Email
info@bunnforward8.com
Education
Sheila Bunn is a proud graduate of The American University, where she was a Distinguished Frederick Douglass Scholar and earned a B.A. in Communication Media & Foreign Language. She also holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Management and Development from Trinity Washington University.
Qualifications
Sheila Bunn, a lifelong resident of Ward 8, has nearly 30 years of leadership in DC government, at the DC Council, and on Capitol Hill, delivering real results for residents. Served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Chief of Staff to Councilmember Gray, helping to shape policies that impacted Ward 8 and the entire city. Played a key role in the St. Elizabeths East Redevelopment, bringing housing, jobs, retail, the CareFirst Arena, and a new hospital to Ward 8. Led consumer education efforts at the Office of the People’s Counsel, ensuring residents had access to fair and affordable utility services. Serves on the boards of Martha’s Table and the Far SE Family Strengthening Collaborative, investing in families and youth.
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/SBunnWard8
Campaign Twitter Handle
@SBunnWard8
Campaign YouTube URL
http://www.instagram.com/sbunnward8/
Website
https://www.bunnforward8.com/
Why do you want to be the Councilmember for Ward 8?
Ward 8 is my home, my community, and my purpose. I’m running for DC Council because our families deserve real investment, strong schools, safer neighborhoods, and true economic opportunity. This isn’t just a campaign—it’s my commitment to fight for the resources and respect our community deserves. I’m fighting for our youth, our families, our seniors, and those who feel like they don’t have a seat at the table.
I want to help foster positive and effective local governance and bring together neighborhoods, businesses and government to improve lives and build economic wealth for our Ward 8 families and businesses. Together, we can build a stronger Ward 8.
Why are you a good choice for Ward 8? What experience or training qualify you?
I am an experienced public servant with nearly 30 years of leadership in DC government, at the DC Council, and on Capitol Hill, delivering real results for residents. Served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Chief of Staff to Councilmember Gray, helping to shape policies that impacted Ward 8 and the entire city. Played a key role in the St. Elizabeths East Redevelopment, bringing housing, jobs, retail, an arena, and Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center to Ward 8. Led consumer education efforts at the Office of the People’s Counsel, ensuring residents had access to fair and affordable utility services. Serve on the boards of Martha’s Table and the Far SE Family Strengthening Collaborative, investing in families and youth.
If you win, what will you do to make our city's finances better?
Improving our city's finances involves addressing both revenue generation and optimizing our spending while promoting long-term economic growth. To do this, we must diversify and grow our tax base; attract and retain businesses; develop commercial corridors in under resourced neighborhoods to expand the tax base; sunset underperforming or redundant programs; expand public-private partnerships for infrastructure and service delivery where appropriate; encourage more transit-oriented development to raise land value and generate economic activity; expand training programs aligned with future-focused industries (e.g., tech, healthcare); and, partner with local universities, employers and unionsfor apprenticeships and job pipelines.
What are two things in Ward 8 you want to change? How would you change them?
Access to stable, affordable, and healthy food options: I will advocate for the investment in small footprint grocery stores, coops, farmers markets, and community gardens, supporting expansion with tax breaks, grants, or low-interest loans; increase funding for food pharmacys and mobile food markets like the Arcadia Mobile Market; partner with nonprofits for home delivery to seniors and those with limited mobility; and, expand Instacart’s Good Food at Home program to 1,000 participants in Wards 7 & 8.
Unemployment & Underemployment: I will work to create pipelines to living-wage jobs through parnerships with our unions, support our small businesses, and push for infrastructure projects that will create employment for our residents.
How will you ask people for their ideas? How will you involve residents in decisions?
I plan to use a multipronged approach to engage with Ward 8 residents. My team and I will regularly attend community events, churches, schools, and local markets. We will continue to go door-to-door talking to neighbors and soliciting their input, as well as holding community office hours in the ward to hear directly from residents.
Through social media, newsletters, online forms, phone calls, and town halls, I will seek residents' input into legislation development and investment of resources into the ward.
To ensure residents' involvement in decision-making, I will form community advisory councils comprised of a mix of residents, local leaders, and youth voices to work on issues (e.g. housing, youth programs, safety) with me.
Where do you like to go in Ward 8? What are your favorite places?
Favorite places include Oxon Run Park and the James E. Bunn Amphitheater; The Yards Park and its summer concert series; Players Lounge; and Sycamore & Oak.
Biographical Information
Why do you want to be the Councilmember for Ward 8?
Why Oliver L. Roy Should Represent Ward 8
Because Oliver L. Roy has lived what too many only talk about.
He was born into struggle, raised in silence, and shaped by systems meant to break him—not build him. He knows what it means to sleep in closets, eat in shelters, and survive trauma with no blueprint for healing.
But instead of being crushed by his past, he turned it into purpose.
Oliver is not a career politician—he's a community survivor turned community champion. He’s the founder of The Lanier Foundation, an advocate for returning citizens, seniors, and at-risk youth, and a voice for those who’ve been forgotten by the system and overlooked by elected officials.
He’s not running for office to sit in meetings. He’s running to delive
Why are you a good choice for Ward 8? What experience or training qualify you?
Why Oliver L. Roy Is a Strong Choice for Ward 8 Councilmember
Because Oliver doesn’t just understand the issues—he’s lived them.
Oliver L. Roy is a proud native of Washington, D.C. who was raised in Ward 8. His journey—from foster care, homelessness, and childhood trauma to becoming a father, nonprofit founder, and community leader—makes him uniquely qualified to represent the people of Ward 8 with compassion, courage, and clarity.
He has lived through the very struggles Ward 8 faces daily:
Poverty, gun violence, and unstable housing
A lack of access to mental health support
Being unheard by systems meant to serve
Instead of letting those experiences define him, Oliver used them to develop real-world insight and a passion for change.
If you win, what will you do to make our city's finances better?
“If elected, what will you do to make our city's finances better?”
Oliver L. Roy’s Response:
If I’m elected to represent Ward 8, I will treat every dollar of taxpayer money like it came from my own wallet—because in Ward 8, we know what it means to stretch every cent just to survive.
I will work to make the city’s finances better by focusing on accountability, equity, and smarter spending, not just bigger budgets.
Here’s how:
✅ Hold Every Agency Accountable
I’ll conduct regular audits and oversight hearings to ensure city agencies are following the law and using their budgets responsibly. If they’re not, we’ll fix it—or fund someone who will.
✅ Eliminate Wasteful Spending
We will target duplicated programs, underperforming contracts,
What are two things in Ward 8 you want to change? How would you change them?
What are two things in Ward 8 you want to change—and how would you change them?
Oliver L. Roy’s Response:
1. Public Safety That Protects Everyone—Not Just Polices Them
Ward 8 has been devastated by gun violence and broken trust between the community and the justice system. I want to change how we address public safety by:
Expanding community-led violence interruption programs like credible messengers and roving leaders.
Funding trauma-informed care in schools and neighborhoods.
Reviewing the juvenile justice system to ensure it holds youth accountable without throwing them away.
We’ll reduce violence by building trust, healing trauma, and investing in prevention—not just punishment.
2. Truly Affordable Housing That Matches Real Income
How will you ask people for their ideas? How will you involve residents in decisions?
How will you ask people for their ideas—and involve residents in decisions?
Oliver L. Roy’s Response:
I believe leadership starts with listening.
If elected, I will never make decisions for the people of Ward 8 without first hearing directly from them.
Here’s how I’ll make sure your voice shapes every decision:
✅ Host Regular “Ward 8 Roundtables”
Every month, I’ll hold open community meetings—rotating across neighborhoods—where residents can share concerns, propose ideas, and track progress. These won’t be lectures. They’ll be conversations.
✅ Launch a “People’s Policy Panel”
I’ll create working groups made up of residents, activists, faith leaders, youth, seniors, and returning citizens to review legislation before it’s introduced—real
Where do you like to go in Ward 8? What are your favorite places?
Where do you like to go in Ward 8? What are your favorite places?
Oliver L. Roy’s Response:
Ward 8 is more than where I live—it’s where I found my voice. And some of my favorite places here remind me why I fight for this community every day.
✅ Anacostia Park – It’s my place to think, breathe, and reflect. There’s peace in the river, and power in seeing families gather, youth ride bikes, and elders enjoy the shade. It reminds me what we’re protecting.
✅ THEARC – A hub for creativity, learning, and healing. It’s where art meets advocacy, and where our young people are building their confidence and futures.
✅ Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE – Not just a street—it's the heart of Ward 8. Whether it's grabbing food, meeting residents, or con
Biographical Information
Why do you want to be the Councilmember for Ward 8?
Seeking city seat to give options for constituents competing with the harsh economic forecast and militarization of the city.
Why are you a good choice for Ward 8? What experience or training qualify you?
A candidate of the people with experience in civics and international policies.
If you win, what will you do to make our city's finances better?
Keep successful programs and make necessary cuts inline with the federal administration. Encourage local contracting.
What are two things in Ward 8 you want to change? How would you change them?
Implement residential redistricting to gain representation in Congress and deter us from being a sanctuary city.
How will you ask people for their ideas? How will you involve residents in decisions?
Attend some ANC meetings to gain local insight and conduct polls.
Where do you like to go in Ward 8? What are your favorite places?
Love time at Anacostia Park and our fitness centers.
Biographical Information
Campaign Email
trayonwhite2025@gmail.com
Education
Law Student
Qualifications
Three term Council Member
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/trayon.white
Campaign Twitter Handle
@x.com/trayonwhite
Campaign YouTube URL
http://www.youtube.com/@CouncilmemberTrayonWhite
Website
https://www.trayonwhite8.com
Why do you want to be the Councilmember for Ward 8?
Trayon White is seeking re-election because he remains deeply committed to uplifting the people of Ward 8 and continuing the work of creating lasting, positive change in the community he has served his entire life. As a native son of Ward 8, he understands the challenges residents face—whether it’s access to quality education, safe and affordable housing, economic opportunities, or public safety.
Why are you a good choice for Ward 8? What experience or training qualify you?
During his time in office, Councilmember White has fought tirelessly to bring resources, attention, and investment to Ward 8. From supporting small businesses and expanding workforce development programs to advocating for better schools and more equitable health services, he has worked to ensure that no resident is left behind.
This next term represents an opportunity to build on that progress—to bring more jobs, improve housing conditions, strengthen public schools, and continue addressing the root causes of violence. Trayon White is not just a policymaker; he’s a servant leader who listens, shows up, and fights every day for the dignity and advancement of Ward 8 residents. His passion for the people and his record of standing with them.
If you win, what will you do to make our city's finances better?
If re-elected, Trayon White will focus on responsible, community-centered fiscal stewardship that ensures our city’s budget reflects the needs of all residents—especially those in underserved areas like Ward 8. He believes that every dollar should work toward equity, opportunity, and long-term stability.
Councilmember White will continue advocating for transparent budgeting practices, eliminating wasteful spending, and investing in programs that deliver real returns—such as workforce development, affordable housing, and violence prevention. He supports prioritizing funding for services that help people become self-sufficient, reducing long-term government costs.
What are two things in Ward 8 you want to change? How would you change them?
1. Improve Public Safety Through Prevention, Not Just Policing
In 2025, Trayon White wants to address the root causes of violence in Ward 8 by expanding violence prevention programs, mental health services, and youth engagement initiatives. He also supports job training and re-entry programs to provide real alternatives for those most at risk.
2. Expand Access to Quality, Affordable Housing
Far too many Ward 8 residents are struggling with unstable housing or living in poor conditions, fight for increased funding for deeply affordable housing, more support for first-time homebuyers, and stricter enforcement of housing code violations. He will also work to ensure that new developments include truly affordable units—not just market-rate
How will you ask people for their ideas? How will you involve residents in decisions?
Trayon White believes that the best solutions come from the people most affected. He regularly hosts community meetings, walks the neighborhoods, and listens directly to residents. If re-elected, he’ll continue holding town halls, surveys, and forums to gather input, and ensure decisions reflect the voices of Ward 8. He also plans to expand the role of advisory neighborhood commissioners and grassroots leaders to make sure residents are involved in shaping policies that impact their lives.
Where do you like to go in Ward 8? What are your favorite places?
Trayon White loves spending time in the heart of Ward 8, especially in Congress Heights and Anacostia. In Congress Heights, he enjoys visiting the Congress Heights Arts & Culture Center, which uplifts local talent and creativity. He also values time at the Gateway DC Pavilion, where community events bring people together.
In Anacostia, his favorite spots include the historic Anacostia Park, where he walks and engages with families, and the Big Chair, a landmark that reminds us of the neighborhood’s rich history. These places reflect the strength, beauty, and resilience of Ward 8—and keep him grounded in the community he serves.