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Robert White

Democratic candidate for Delegate to the House of Representatives from the District of Columbia · Open seat

At-large member, Council of the District of Columbia; attorney

Robert White Jr. is a fifth-generation Washingtonian and has held an at-large seat on the D.C. Council since 2016. Before that he was legislative counsel to Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. He won the June 16, 2026 Democratic primary for the open D.C. Delegate seat after Norton retired, defeating Brooke Pinto and three other candidates.

Where White stands

D.C. statehood and Home Rule

Supports D.C. statehood and treating it as a long-term national coalition effort. Proposes mobilizing D.C. residents to support pro-statehood congressional candidates and fighting budget riders and congressional interference in local affairs.

Federal intervention in D.C.

Launched 'Defend D.C.,' an effort to send District residents to campaign in selected congressional races outside D.C. against lawmakers who challenge the city's autonomy.

Public safety

Supports fully staffing D.C. courts, accountable and effective policing, and investment in violence prevention and youth opportunity.

Housing affordability

Supports federal investment in affordable housing, using underused federal land for housing, and stronger Housing Choice Vouchers and LIHTC, along with anti-displacement protections such as rent protections and tenant legal support.

Federal workforce

Supports flexible hybrid work arrangements for federal employees and opposes what he calls indiscriminate federal workforce cuts. Proposes retraining and workforce investment instead.

Economy and jobs

Proposes expanding workforce development, supporting small businesses, and putting underused federal properties to work to grow D.C.'s tax base and diversify its economy.

Background

• At-large member, Council of the District of Columbia, 2016–present (current term ends January 2029)
• Community outreach director for D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine
• Legislative aide and counsel to Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, 2008–2013
• Won the Democratic primary for D.C. Delegate, June 2026
• J.D., American University; B.A., St. Mary's College of Maryland
• Born 1982 in Washington, D.C.

Also running for Delegate to the House of Representatives from the District of Columbia

• Denise Rosado Republican
• Kymone Freeman DC Statehood Green

Sources

• WTOP candidate questionnaire: Robert White
• WJLA: Robert White projected to win Democratic primary for DC Delegate
• WJLA: Councilmember Robert White takes DC statehood fight beyond the District
• Ballotpedia: Robert White (District of Columbia)
• Wikipedia: Robert White (Washington, D.C., politician)
• East of the River: The Election Isn't Over Yet (2026-10-13)

Last researched October 23, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.