Progressive anti-Israel candidate set to lead Washington, D.C. after Democratic primary win

Janice Lewis-George is widely expected to become the next mayor of Washington, D.C. after winning the Democratic primary, with about 53% of the vote in the first round. Because the city is strongly Democratic, her primary victory is effectively the decisive step to taking office, without the need for additional rounds.

Lewis-George has drawn attention for openly anti-Israel positions. She has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and said that, if elected, she would not attend events intended to, in her words, obscure the reality of occupation or promote Zionism and apartheid. She has also received backing from the Democratic Socialists of America, the group associated with pro-Palestinian positions and with Zohran Mamdani’s victory in New York City.

Her campaign has raised concern among some local Jewish residents. A Jewish community leader who spoke to The Washington Post said her public positions created questions about how she would treat the Jewish community. In addition, her political director wrote in an Instagram post in December 2023 that Israel was a “fictional state,” and another shared post described Israel as “an evil bitch.”

After the criticism, Lewis-George sought to calm tensions by meeting rabbis and Jewish community leaders. In a public statement, she said, “I will not be a mayor who includes or excludes you based on your views or feelings on issues happening here or around the world. I will always defend your freedom, your safety and your sense of belonging.” She also promised to fight antisemitism and stand with the Jewish community. Her campaign focused on opposing federal intervention in Washington affairs and making the city more affordable, a stance that could put her on a collision course with Donald Trump’s administration.