GLAA is proud to announce its ratings for the candidates of the 2024 D.C. Council General Elections. We invited all candidates running for local office to answer questions based on the 2024 GLAA policy brief. We rank the candidates’ responses to our questionnaire according to whether they (a) responded affirmatively or not, (b) how much depth and clarity they had in their answers, and (c) how their shared track record reflects the stance they are defending. Upon deliberation, candidates are assigned a score that is converted to a number between -10 and 10.
Candidate Scores
At-Large
Robert White [Total Score: 9] agreed with GLAA on all the issues. His answers showed a solid understanding of the topics and some depth, but could have been more detailed. He discussed his record on some issues but not all and generally could have provided more specifics and nuance. He has been a champion for LGBTQ+ Budget Coalition priorities and a number of policy brief issues.
Christina Henderson [Total Score: 8.5] agreed with GLAA on half the issues, but her answers reflected deep thoughtfulness and consideration of the health and well-being of DC’s marginalized communities. Her responses were clear, detailed and showed nuanced appreciations of the complexity of the issues presented, despite disagreements in the strategies to meet these policy goals. She described her substantial record on the issues with specificity. Her record score could be improved by increased engagement with the LGBTQ+ Budget Coalition.
Ward 4
Janeese Lewis George [Total Score: 9.5] agreed with GLAA on most issues, except sex work and drug possession for personal use. However, on those two topics she gave a “tentative” yes pending further details, showing an openness to new information that could change her position. Her answers consistently showed a depth of understanding, thoughtfulness, nuance, and additional ideas for action. She has a record of supporting and leading on several policy brief priorities, but she could have described her record more on certain topics. Two of her answers could have benefited from greater detail. She could show more leadership on LGBTQ+ Budget coalition priorities.
Ward 7
Wendell Felder [Total Score: 2] indicated some agreement with GLAA on the issues, but he did not give a clear yes or no answer to most questions. His answers occasionally showed thoughtfulness and an open mind, but they lacked depth or specifics and often punted by suggesting further discussion with GLAA about an issue. He did not discuss his record on any of the issues despite being a four term ANC Commissioner.
About Our Ratings
The ratings are based solely on the issues and may not be interpreted as endorsements. Founded in 1971, GLAA is an all-volunteer, non-partisan, non-profit civic organization. GLAA serves as a network of people committed to defending human rights and advocating for the advancement of LGBTQ+ people in the District of Columbia. GLAA is the nation’s oldest continuously active LGBTQ+ civil rights organization.
A candidate with a score of 10 is someone who is in agreement with all the policies presented in the brief, giving thorough answers that show they understand the issues, while presenting a track record that shows proof of their commitment to the causes.
GLAA thanks all the candidates who responded to our questionnaire.
The candidate’s responses are available below.
Questionnaire Files:
DC Council at large
DC Council Ward 4
DC Council 7
DC Council 8
- Trayon White
Trayon White did not submit a response to GLAA’s 2024 Primary or General Election Questionnaires.
NOTE: GLAA believes that elected officials are stewards of the public trust and therefore must hold themselves accountable to the highest ethical standards. GLAA, therefore, will not issue any rating for candidates who, in their capacity as elected officials, were expelled from any elected post, or resigned, for ethics violations that include, but are not limited to, conflicts of interest, self-dealing, and malfeasance.