Ward 8 Special Election Profile: Salim Adofo

June 11, 2025

Salim Adofo, current Advisory Neighborhood Chair for 8C, is running in the July 15 special election for the Ward 8 D.C. Council seat recently vacated after Trayon White's expulsion following federal bribery charges. If elected, Adofo plans to address intra-community violence in all forms and tackle environmental issues that contribute to crime in Ward 8. He has positioned himself apart from other candidates through his support for Initiatives 82 and 83, while emphasizing collaborative governance and a vision for Ward 8 that includes revitalized development at St. Elizabeths East Campus and the United Medical Center.

Who is affected

Ward 8 residents and voters
Children and families living in poverty in Ward 8
Elderly residents of Ward 8
Advisory Neighborhood Commissions in Ward 8
Victims of intra-community violence, including domestic violence and elder abuse
Low-income residents represented by United Planning Organization

What action is being taken

Adofo is running in the July 15 special election for the Ward 8 D.C. Council seat
The Office of the D.C. Auditor is conducting an audit of alleged misuse of ANC funds by Adofo
Adofo is leading collaboration between Ward 8 advisory neighborhood commissions to compile budget recommendations
Adofo is organizing with commissioners from multiple Ward 8 districts (8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E) for collective decision-making
Ward 8 ANC commissioners are endorsing Adofo's campaign

Why it matters

Ward 8 has been without council representation since White's expulsion
The ward has poverty and crime rates surpassing other parts of the District, with nearly 1 out of 2 children living in poverty
Initiatives 82 (tipped minimum wage) and 83 (ranked-choice voting and open primaries) face potential exclusion or repeal despite voter approval
Development in Ward 8 has not significantly changed poverty conditions
Environmental issues in Ward 8 contribute to violent crime at higher rates than other parts of the District
The winner will represent Ward 8 during a period of political and economic uncertainty

What's next

Ward 8 voters will elect either Adofo, Mike Austin, Sheila Bunn, or former Ward 8 council member White on July 15
The Office of the D.C. Auditor will release findings of its audit into allegations against Adofo in fall 2024
The winner will serve out the remainder of White's term

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer