Kenyan McDuffie announces run for DC mayor

Kenyan McDuffie officially launches D.C. mayoral campaign

Former D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie officially launched his campaign to replace Mayor Muriel Bowser. Here’s what he’s promising voters — and how the growing field is shaping up.

WASHINGTON - Former D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie is officially running for mayor of the nation’s capital.

McDuffie made the announcement Wednesday on social media, posting a campaign video and a message introducing himself to voters. "My name is Kenyan McDuffie, I'm a lifelong Washingtonian, a former mailman, and most importantly—a husband and father. I'm running to be the next mayor to fight and deliver for all DC," he wrote.

McDuffie stepped down from the D.C. Council earlier this month, clearing the way for his mayoral bid.

Kenyan McDuffie announces run for DC mayor

Former D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie is officially running for mayor of the nation’s capital.

READ MORE: Kenyan McDuffie to resign from DC Council in January, raising questions of possible mayoral bid

Janese Lewis George campaign launch at Howard Theater

McDuffie’s main oppoent — councilwoman Janese Lewis George — announced her campaign for mayor weeks ago.

She racked up an endosement by the Washington Teachers Union Wednesday as she prepared to roll out policy proposals at a campaign launch event Thursday night at the Howard Theater.

She tells FOX 5 she welcomes McDuffie into the race and wants frequent debates.

"I’ve been saying I’m the people-first candidate and we’ve got to have a people-first D.C., so tonight what that looks like — what it means to be people-first, what it means to invest in affordable housing truly, and what it means to invest in making child care more affordable," Janeese Lewis George.

Lewis-George has boasted an impressive fundraising haul, with some political pundits comparing her campaign momentum to New York City Mayor Zoran Mondami’s.