DCVFA Endorsements - 2026 Primary Election
To build a political system that cares about animals, politicians rely on voters will have their back to pass pro-animal policy. That is why our theory of change includes engaging in local elections. DC Voters for Animals has organized candidate questionnaires and endorsements for the past three DC elections—dating back to 2020.
In 2026, things will look different for DC voters and specifically our community of animal lovers. The ballots for the June 16 primary election have already been mailed to voters. Here are two new things that stand out in this election.
2026 First: Ranking Candidates
For the first time, DC is using Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in local elections. Instead of endorsing a single candidate per race, DCVFA endorsed multiple candidates in some contests to reflect this new reality. RCV allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, a historic shift in how DC residents cast their ballots. (Voters can learn more about how to use RCV before submitting their ballot)
2026 First: DCVFA Early Endorsement
If there is one candidate animal‑focused voters should know about, it’s Oye Owolewa. DCVFA expedited our endorsement process and announced support for Oye in December — months ahead of our usual timeline. His leadership on animal issues as DC Shadow Representative predates his run for DC Council, and since entering the At‑Large race, he has doubled down: speaking out against cruelty, supporting the ballot initiative to end force‑feeding, sharing plant‑based meals with community members, and championing a more humane DC. We need a champion on the Council, and Oye has shown he is ready to be that voice.
Now, onto the endorsements. DC Voters for Animals previously drilled down via candidate questionnaires to understand where political hopefuls stand (view candidate responses and our analysis). See who we endorsed, how (and if) we ranked them, and what our rationale was behind our support.
Ward 1
Rashida Brown was our top pick for Ward 1 because of her strong questionnaire responses which not only demonstrated compassion for animals, but an in-depth understanding of DC government functions. The latter speaks to her other strength; she is by far the most experienced candidate in the race, with noteworthy accomplishments as a Ward 1 ANC Commissioner, social worker, and government official.
Her questionnaire revealed sensible solutions to issues like rat management, and an understanding of how to leverage the District's inner-workings to build a more values-forward food system from her time as a social worker, ANC Commissioner, and policy director in the DC government.
“I’m honored to have the support of DC Voters for Animals. Protecting animals is deeply personal to me—growing up, animals like Missy, our family Collie, weren’t just pets, they were healers who helped my family through some of our hardest moments. That experience shaped my belief that how we treat animals reflects our humanity. On the Council, I will advance stronger animal welfare laws, invest in humane services, prioritize prevention over harm, and ensure every animal in DC is treated with care, dignity, and respect.”
Although Aparna Raj brings less experience to the campaign, what she offers in vision makes her one of the most exciting candidates in this election. Her questionnaire was amongst the most impressive submitted. Seriously, read it. She raises humane treatment of animals from pets to factory farms, establishing a Rat Czar for DC, and the interconnection between animal issues and our own well being as a society. This made for a very tight endorsement decision.
“Animal welfare is not just a question of our humanity, it is intertwined with so many aspects of our lives, like fighting for better labor standards, environmental sustainability, just local economies, and healthy food systems for all. I am proud to be the only Ward 1 candidate to release a comprehensive Rat Control Platform focused on waste management rather than harmful poison. On Council, I will champion rat abatement, improving jail food standards, and advancing good food procurement standards.”
While Miguel Trindade Deramo’s response was less vigorous than the others, it was still strong, consistent with him being a fantastic orator at debates. He raised compost and halting illegal dumping as tools to prevent rats based on his experience as an ANC commissioner, and recognition for coexistence with our local wildlife. The DCVFA team could not overlook his campaign and deemed him a close third—if Mr. Trindade Deramo is representing ward 1, we feel that animals and our community will have a strong voice.
“I believe DC should be safe and healthy for everyone who calls our city home. One of the best ways to do that is by taking on our rat problem without poisoning our native wildlife. If we focus on what works—implementing a robust and permanent citywide composting program, cracking down on illegal dumping, and empowering agencies that clean our streets—we can build a city where people, pets and non-invasive wildlife can thrive.”
Ward 3
Matthew Frumin
Councilmember Frumin is running for re-election unopposed. His questionnaire examined investments in our local food system including a central food processing facility, a more sensible approach to rats, and protecting local wildlife from the immense sewage spill in the Potomac River.
“I share DC Voters for Animals commitment to animal welfare, humane treatment, and responsible rat policy. Such policies are key to a healthier, happier society. I also support localizing the central food processing facilities for our schools, recreation centers, senior centers and jails. By preparing our food within the District, we can improve nutrition and quality, create local jobs, and deliver important environmental benefits. Additionally, we need a complete cleanup from the recent sewage spill to make the Potomac safe for all creatures.”
Ward 5
Zachary Parker
Councilmember Parker is running for re-election unopposed. His questionnaire called for zero waste and better sanitation enforcement in a rat policy that "is grounded in prevention first, poison last", and highlighted his legislative effort to increase spay/neuter services and responsible pet care in the District.
“Elected officials have a responsibility to consider those who cannot advocate for themselves, including animals whose welfare is shaped by public policy. Companion animals, wildlife, and working animals are especially vulnerable to neglect, exploitation, and habitat loss, and safeguarding them reflects our commitment to building a humane and responsible city.”
Ward 6
Charles Allen
Councilmember Allen is running for re-election unopposed. His questionnaire raised experience with the harmful effects of rodenticide on local wildlife (a red tailed hawk), sustainable food procurement, and investment in school gardens as exposure to plant-forward nutrition.
“I have worked on bills to ban the sale of ivory, reducing plastic in our waterways, and to strengthen our animal cruelty laws as well as supporting funding for environmental education and conservation programming. There are so many ways for the DC government and Council to improve conditions for animals.”
Mayor
Janeese Lewis George - #1
While Janeese Lewis George may not have animal protection at the forefront of her platform, we see her as the best candidate to be DC’s next Mayor. Many DCVFA allies voiced support for Ms. Lewis George during our community listening sessions.
In her questionnaire response, Ms. Lewis George raised several important issues, including the need to implement DC's Green Food Law to serve climate-friendly meals, and her legislation to reduce rats through data tracking, enforcement, and cleaner neighborhoods.
Further, her main opponent—former Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie—has demonstrated concerning qualities, which community members brought up during the listening session. For instance, his office has served as a launch pad for corporate and utility lobbyists who have joined with Mr. McDuffie in opposing important climate legislation and allowing DC to have the largest electricity spike in the region.
“I believe that the DC government should do everything it can to provide a safe and nurturing environment for families to thrive, with their animals. Beyond our homes, providing responsible stewardship of our natural environment and the animals who live there is key to delivering on the promise of a city that works for everyone.”
Gary Goodweather - #2
Mr. Goodweather earned DCVFA’s second endorsement slot in the mayoral race for his thorough responses and dedication to animal welfare. Although he is newer to DC’s political scene, his earnest care for animals stood out. He supported a Mayoral Animal Welfare Liaison in his questionnaire, as well as a comprehensive rat policy that prioritizes prevention with rodenticides being a "last resort", pet-accessible public housing, and climate-friendly food purchasing. Mr. Goodweather related these to the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam — the obligation to repair the world.
“I am honored to receive the second-place endorsement from DC Voters for Animals. I believe the way a city treats its animals reflects its values. Under my administration, DC will see creative, compassionate, and empathetic leadership intertwined with common sense policies that protect animals and communities.”
Make sure to register to vote, and confirm your registration status.
Want to go beyond voting to support these animal friendly candidates? You can donate, volunteer, and subscribe to the DCVFA newsletter for opportunities to ahead of the June 16 election.
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.