In the D.C. mayor’s race, Janeese Lewis George has consolidated the support of labor unions and progressive groups, while Kenyan McDuffie has won backing from real estate and business-friendly organizations.
Why it matters: We’re getting close to the primary — and endorsements can help voters understand candidates through specific topic areas, like building more housing or supporting small businesses.
State of play: D.C. will begin sending mailing ballots to all registered voters next Monday.
- Ballot drop boxes will open on Friday, May 22, with early voting centers to come ahead of the primary on June 16.
The big picture: Lewis George’s endorsements show a classic progressive coalition, with labor and left-leaning groups lending her manpower and boosting her fundraising reach.
- While a city investigation threatens her union ties, she’s also broadened her appeal to get support from urbanist and pro-housing groups like Greater Greater Washington and D.C. YIMBYs.
- McDuffie, meanwhile, is backed by a business- and real estate-focused bloc,attracted to his promises of economicgrowth and support for public safety measures.
As of last month, both candidates had raised nearly $2 million…