WASHINGTON — As the polls close on D.C.'s Primary Day, District voters will shift from using ballots to have their voices heard to watching the results roll in, hopeful that they made a difference.
Polls opened at 7 a.m. and closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday. There are several races in the spotlight, including fights for seats on DC Council.
Ward 4
Projected Winner: Janeese Lewis George (D)
In Ward 4, Janeese Lewis George, the Democratic incumbent, went up against Lisa Gore (D) and Paul Johnson (D). Lewis George has faced criticism from her competitors for being too liberal on public safety. While the latest MPD data shows violent crime is down 27% from this time last year, it remains a top priority for voters as they consider who will represent them.
With 70% of the precincts reporting, Lewis George was named the projected winner by the Associated Press.
Ward 7
Meanwhile, in the race for Ward 7, 10 candidates are vying for the job. WUSA9 recently profiled the top four according to fundraising and polling. The race comes as councilmember and former mayor Vincent Gray decided to retire as he recovers from two strokes.
Without another party represented, the Democrat who wins the primary will become only the third Ward 7 councilmember in 20 years.
As of 11 p.m., with 76% of the precincts reporting, the race was still too close to officially call. However, Wendell Felder (D) is in the lead with 22.9% of the vote but Ebony Payne (D) is close behind with 20.1%.
Ward 8
Projected Winner: Trayon White (D)
In Ward 8, two-term incumbent Trayon White went up against challengers who believed the ward was ready for change. The two men hoping to unseat White include former Ballou High School principal Rachman Branch and ANC commissioner Salim Adolfo.
Voters say among their priorities are crime, education, housing, and social programs.
With 56% of the precincts reporting, White was projected to be the winner around 11 p.m.
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