Ward 8 Special Election

The 2025 Council of the District of Columbia Ward 8 Special Election will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Voters will elect one member of the DC Council to represent Ward 8, filling a seat vacated earlier this year.

This election is an important opportunity for Ward 8 residents to shape the future of their community especially on critical issues like education, housing, public safety, and economic opportunity.

Who can vote in the Ward 8 Special Election? You can vote if you are:

  • A registered voter in the District of Columbia
  • A resident of Ward 8

Key Election Dates:

  • Drop Boxes Open: June 13
  • Early Voting: July 11–14
  • Election Day: Tuesday, July 15

Find more details and confirm your voting information at www.dcboe.org

Candidate Quiz: Who Aligns With Your Vision for Ward 8?

We asked Ward 8 Special Election candidates where they stand on key issues that matter to our community from public education and housing to public safety and economic development. Take our short, issue-based quiz to see which candidate aligns most closely with your values.

Take the Quiz Today!

Meet Our Education Champion
Mike Austin

Why We’ve Endorsed Mike Austin keyboard_arrow_down

Mike Austin is a lifelong Washingtonian, proud father, lawyer, and economic advisor who lives in Congress Heights. He brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the challenges facing Ward 8. Mike has worked as a legislative director on the DC Council and has spent years advancing equity through community-based work.

ElectED DC is proud to name Mike Austin our Ward 8 Education Champion in the 2025 Special Election.

Paid for by ElectED DC. These endorsements are not authorized by any candidate or their campaign. A copy of our report is filed with the Director of Campaign Finance of the Office of Campaign Finance.

Mike Austin's Priorities for Ward 8 keyboard_arrow_down

  • Fair investment in all Ward 8 schools
  • Expanded access to early childhood education
  • Increased teacher and staff pay
  • Being a visible, engaged leader in the community

How You Can Help Mike Austin Win keyboard_arrow_down

Vote

  • Early Voting: July 11–14
  • Election Day: July 15
  • Drop your completed mail-in ballot at any Ward 8 drop box starting June 13. Find a drop box location →

Volunteer
Join our canvassing team to help spread the word about Mike Austin. Contact our Ward 8 Organizing Manager, Paulette Williams: pwilliams@electeddc.org. 

Donate
Support our work to elect Education Champions like Mike across the city. Donate today!