The incumbent Muriel E. Bowser (D) has become the first D.C. Mayor to be re-elected in 16 years. The election was no contest for Bowser, who won by an extreme margin. She earned 79.44 percent of the general vote, against her competitors Ann Wilcox (DCG), Dustin Canter (IND), and Martin Moultin (Lib). The mayor’s re-election had seemed promising since she won the Democratic Primary nearly uncontested in June.
Bowser’s reelection campaign prioritized her continued plans to improve the city’s public education system, reduce crime and improve police accountability, and grow the middle class. She has also been an outspoken proponent for making D.C. the 51st state.
I had a chance to thank the last two voters at my home precinct. What a wonderful turnout! #DCProud of my hometown. pic.twitter.com/c2nPvluaBb
— Muriel Bowser (@MurielBowser) November 7, 2018
A 2017 Washington Post poll revealed Bowser had a 67 percent approval rating. Most polled residents believed she had done an excellent or good job in improving public schools and reducing crime. However, 62 percent thought she had done a poor or not-so-good job in addressing homelessness. Bowser’s most significant policy change as Mayor has been to shut down the central D.C. General shelter and open smaller shelters throughout the District. Her reelection ensures her initiative will be followed through to completion.
Although most District residents believe the shutdown of the overcrowded and dangerous D.C. General is long overdue, some have claimed Bowser hasn’t had full provisions in place for families during the interim, while the smaller shelters are being built.
Thank you, DC! pic.twitter.com/CjezLx5wnr
— Muriel Bowser (@MurielBowser) November 7, 2018
Additionally, 48 percent of the residents polled were displeased with the influence of wealthy political donors on governmental decisions during Bowser’s term. Her original plan for the shelters included excessively overpriced lease contracts that would have benefitted her campaign donors, owners of the land where the shelters were going to be built. Allegations of cronyism lead the D.C. council to strike down the proposal.
Nonetheless, Bowser’s tenure thus far has been relatively scandal-free. Rather, most of her opponents have tended to attack her for her inaction on the District’s most pressing issues, such as gentrification, especially in the Navy Yard area in Ward 6, and healthcare inequity.
The next four years are Bowser’s opportunity to reverse her idleness and make real improvements to policies in the city.