DC Voters for Animals Announces Endorsements in DC 2024 Primary
DC Voters for Animals has endorsed seven candidates—four for DC Council and three for federal representation—ahead of the DC primary election on June 4th. Since animals have no voice in our democracy, we have a responsibility to care for those with whom we share our homes, our natural spaces, and our planet. The following are the candidates whom DC Voters for Animals believes best advocate for the plethora of companion animals, animals held in farms and laboratories, and wildlife.
Brooke Pinto - Ward 2
DC Voters for Animals endorses Councilmember Brooke Pinto for her attention to healthy, plant-forward, and planet-forward food into DC procurement. As the chair of the Judiciary & Public Safety Committee, where DCVFA's priority bill Fur Products Prohibition Act awaits markup, we appreciate Pinto’s commitment to advancing the bill this year. "Animals play a fundamental role in enriching our communities, homes, and ecosystems, and the rights of our animals must be prioritized as they cannot speak for themselves," said Pinto. "I will continue being an ardent supporter of animal rights and improving access to healthful and sustainable food production and access throughout our city."
Ward 7 - Ebony Payne
DCVFA found Ebony Payne to stand out for her commitment to better food systems that account for social justice and animal welfare, as well as her extensive history with animals large and small. “As a lifelong animal and nature lover, I am honored to have the endorsement of DC Voters for Animals,” said Payne. “I am excited to begin harnessing my network of local farmers to bring food justice to the people of Ward 7 and real solutions to solve our food desert crisis. Together we will lead in the creation of a food system that is grounded in compassion and justice for both people and animals.”
Robert White – At Large
DCVFA recognizes the special attention that Councilmember Robert White pays to the often overlooked and discriminated against bully breed dogs, and the significant role adoption plays in benefiting animals in rescues and preventing problematic practices common among industrial breeders. As the chair of the Committee on Housing, we look forward to seeing him modernize housing policy to be inclusive and accessible for people with companion animals regardless of socio-economic status. “As a bully breed dog owner myself, I know how our pets are part of our families,” said White. “That’s why I intend to introduce legislation to prohibit buildings from excluding dogs.”
Salim Adofo – Ward 8
Candidate Adofo stood out to DCVFA for his strong support for an Animal Welfare Liaison to develop an animal welfare strategy for the District, and the immense effort he has put into building partnerships across Ward 8. "I am proud to have an endorsement from DC Voters for Animals. As a passionate human being, being publicly recognized as an advocate for animals is a great honor for me,” said Adofo. “If I am elected, I plan to designate a cabinet member as a liaison to ensure that animal welfare is given due importance. Animal cruelty has no place in our city, or in our Ward. Additionally, the health of our ecosystem is closely tied to the welfare of the wildlife in our city. Therefore, we need sustainable policies that protect animals, the environment, and our city. This endorsement is an important part of my vision for a safe, healthy and thriving Ward 8."
Janeese Lewis George - Ward 4
NEW ENDORSEMENT: Ward 4
Janeese Lewis George in Ward 4 is ever the voice for the underdog (literally and metaphorically!). She is a co-introducer of DC's bill to protect animals held captive in the fur industry, the Fur Products Prohibition Act.
“There is no place for animal cruelty and neglect in DC,” said Lewis George. “I will continue to work with DC Voters for Animals to uphold the District's leadership in defending animal rights, health, and welfare across our communities”
FEDERAL CANDIDATES
Oye Owolewa – US Representative
DCVFA endorses Dr. Oye Owolewa in his re-election bid to promote DC statehood before Congress as our US Representative. Owolewa stands out for his longtime commitment to animal rights and veganism, and is best suited to advocate for voting representation for DC in a way that helps us stand up for our most marginalized residents, both human and non-human. "I am truly humbled to be endorsed by DC Voters for Animals. I'm honored to witness DCVFA become one of the most passionate and community driven change agents in our nation's capital,” said Owolewa. “Whether it is fighting against animal cruelty, pushing DC to become fur-free and contributing to national and local legislation, DCVFA has been on the forefront of advocacy. I'd like to thank DC Voters for Animals for their confidence in me and all those who strive to make DC fair and cruelty free. Together, we work to provide a voice to the voiceless.”
Ankit Jain – US Senator
DCVFA supports Jain to represent DC as US Senator and carry the District’s message for statehood. It was clear from the outset of his campaign that Jain stands out for his environmental stewardship and desire to advocate for others. "I am honored to receive D.C. Voters for Animals' endorsement. Thank you for all that you do to look out for the well-being of all animals. As a lifelong vegetarian and a former Sierra Club attorney who spent time in law school fighting against factory farms, I truly believe in animal rights. As your next Shadow Senator, I will do whatever I can to advance policies that make Washington, D.C. the most animal-friendly city in America."
Eleanor Holmes Norton – Delegate to the House of Representatives
As the Congresswoman for DC, Eleanor Holmes Norton has been an avid supporter of legislation across the spectrum of animal constituents. As a member of the Congressional Animal Welfare Caucus, she has cosponsored legislation to protect dogs in puppy mills, rabbits and rats from cosmetics testing, and horses from export for slaughter, and receives a perfect 100 in the Humane Society’s 2023 Humane Scorecard for Congress. “Our animals have become more in the scheme of many people's lives over the decades. We have discovered that not only do our pets have feelings, but they know how to deliberately show love and support when we most need it,” said Norton. “More and more people are recognizing the positive effects of sharing our lives with domesticated animals, from emotional support to guides. I think it is important to continually look at ways to protect and support the lives of our pets and all living creatures.”
Process: How DCVFA Evaluated the Candidates
DC Voters for Animals solicited responses to our questionnaire covering the top animal issues in DC from the candidates. We then collected input from DCVFA supporters to evaluate community priorities, and ultimately the Board of Directors voted on which candidates to endorse. “When we first started our work in 2020, few candidates were talking about animals,” said Max Broad, Executive Director of DCVFA. “Now we see politicians drawing the connection to climate change, social justice, and public health in hopes of making our city a leader in humane values.”
DC Voters for Animals calls on animal voters to show up strong in this election. DC residents can register to vote and check on voting status at DCBOE.org.
About DC Voters for Animals
DC Voters for Animals is dedicated to uplifting the policies and politicians doing the most for animals. We work to protect all animals, whether companion animals such as dogs and cats, animals held in farms and labs such as pigs and monkeys, and wildlife such as the national bird, the bald eagle. Learn more about policies, positions, and campaigns that DCVFA is working on at dcvfa.com.