In D.C. Council Run, Shadow Rep. Oye Owolewa Stands as Antithesis to Incumbent Bonds

October 21, 2025

Dr. Oye Owolewa, D.C. Shadow Representative, has announced his candidacy for D.C. Council against incumbent Councilmember Anita Bonds for her at-large seat in the 2026 election. Owolewa, a pharmacist and Ward 8 resident, has criticized the current council for not fighting hard enough for constituents, particularly regarding budget cuts, healthcare coverage restrictions, and affordable housing issues. His campaign platform focuses on healthcare reform, economic equity, and grassroots advocacy for marginalized residents, drawing from his experience as Shadow Representative where he advocated for D.C. statehood and organized community services.

Who is affected

D.C. residents, particularly working and middle-class constituents
Immigrant communities and residents east of the river
Patients losing health insurance coverage
Residents in areas facing development like Kingman Park
Small business owners
Returning citizens (through record expulsion clinics)
Manor Park residents who experienced water shortages
Medicaid recipients affected by cuts

What action is being taken

Owolewa is actively campaigning for the D.C. Council at-large seat against incumbent Anita Bonds
Owolewa is connecting immigrants with legal services information at the beginning of Trump's second administration
Owolewa is organizing record expulsion clinics for returning citizens
Owolewa is facilitating capital business seminars for small business owners
Owolewa is responding to community needs like donating water during shortages in Manor Park

Why it matters

The 2026 D.C. Democratic Primary will be the first to implement ranked-choice voting
Owolewa represents a challenge to what he calls the "status quo" in D.C. politics
The race occurs amid healthcare coverage restrictions, budget cuts, and concerns about MPD and ICE collusion
Owolewa brings healthcare expertise as a pharmacist during what he declared an "unofficial state of health care emergency"
The election could impact policies affecting affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities
Owolewa's focus on grassroots advocacy contrasts with the mayor's pivot toward sports, entertainment, and technology

What's next

The 2026 D.C. Democratic Primary is scheduled for June 16, where Bonds may face Owolewa and potentially other candidates
Owolewa will not run for another term as D.C. shadow representative to "pass the baton" to new leadership in the statehood movement
D.C. Councilmembers Robert White and Brooke Pinto are running for D.C. delegate seat while Councilmembers Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie hint at mayoral ambitions

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer