A critical moment for DC
These are difficult times for our city. We're facing threats to our autonomy, our rights, and our way of life. We need every organization in DC working together to protect our community.
But the local Democratic Party—the biggest political organization in the District—has been missing in action.
Too often, party leadership treats the Democratic State Committee like a social club. Their main priority? Securing tickets to the Democratic National Convention. Meanwhile, the real work of organizing, mobilizing, and protecting our neighbors falls to others.
Others have stepped up
When the Democratic Party failed to lead, other organizations rose to meet the moment.
Free DC has been at the forefront—organizing protests against threats to our democracy, educating citizens about their rights, and building real community power across all eight wards.
They've shown us what effective grassroots organizing looks like. They've proven that Washingtonians, when brought together with purpose and energy, can make a real difference.
Bringing that energy to the party
That's why we're running as the Free DC Slate: to bring that same spirit to the Democratic State Committee.
We're a diverse group of Washingtonians from all eight wards, united by a single belief: our Democratic Party should be working as hard for DC as we work for it.
We're not interested in tickets to conventions. We're interested in organizing our neighbors, protecting our community, and making sure the Democratic Party earns the trust Washingtonians place in it.
Because DC deserves better.
The Free DC Slate
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Kelsye Adams
National Committeewoman
Artistic activist, cultural organizer, advocate for DC self-determination, community builder, creative strategist, champion for Black culture and preservation, storyteller, youth advocate, visionary thinker, connector of people and ideas, lover of Go-Go music, believer in collective power.
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Philip Pannell
National Committeeman
Treasurer of the Initiative 83 campaign for Ranked Choice Voting and semi-open primaries. Active in the DC Democratic Party for 51 years — past President and National Committeeman of the DC Young Democrats, five-time President of the Ward 8 Democrats, and longtime member of the DC Democratic State Committee.
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Samantha Davis
At-Large Committeewoman
Ward 8 resident investing in Black futures, building community power, and a Free DC. Mama of twins. Lover of adventure.
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Chioma Iwuoha
At-Large Committeewoman
Native Washingtonian, mother, fundraiser, and community advocate committed to dignity, equity, and real investment in DC communities — building people-first policies that expand opportunity, strengthen neighborhoods, and ensure every resident is seen, heard, and valued.
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Sonya Joseph
At-Large Committeewoman
Transformational leader, public servant, visionary movement builder, social justice activist, seasoned civic engagement organizer, cooperative founder, Queer AfroCaribbean woman, Ward 5.
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Lïa Lake Kuduk
At-Large Committeewoman
Renter, cyclist, gardener, community organizer, transformative justice facilitator, interdependent movement worker, human rights advocate, Columbia Heights resident, rapid responder, peace builder.
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Aliyah McNeely
At-Large Committeewoman
Vice President of the DC Young Democrats, former educator, and policy and education staffer for the Committee of the Whole.
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Tiffany Pauls
At-Large Committeewoman
An environmentalist, ceramicist, and Ward 1 resident invested in a free and affordable DC.
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Emily Siegel
At-Large Committeewoman
Proud to be born, raised, and shaped by DC. Social justice community strategist with 20+ years of experience, Realtor focused on affordable homeownership, leader within Free DC, and co-founder of DC for Palestine.
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Sam Bonar
At-Large Committeeman
Building joyful systems, Delicious Democrat, forager/farmer, myco-curious, comedic strategy, organizing to expand democracy (co-ops, ranked choice voting, ReDelicious), Ward 4 with roots in Ward 5.
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Andrew DeFrank
At-Large Committeeman
DC native, urban planner, Free DC organizer, and lifelong Commanders fan.
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Thomas Elias
At-Large Committeeman
12-year Ward 6 resident, 20+ year DC resident, bartender and lover of the Potomac River.
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Maleke Glee
At-Large Committeeman
Cultural worker, Howard alum and professor, Ward 8 homeowner.
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Jerome Hinkle
At-Large Committeeman
Native Washingtonian (Orr Elementary, Kramer Junior High, Anacostia Senior High), joined Free DC when our billion dollars were frozen, fighting all my life, advocacy is something I was born for, Ward 6.
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Jordan Kagelmayer
At-Large Committeeman
Writer, engineer, and organizer living in Ward 5. Co-chair of Free DC's DC Local Government working group.
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David Sampé
At-Large Committeeman
DC organizer, community builder, and breath worker. Founder of Gentrified Wood, co-founder of ReDelicious, Ward 1.
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Michelle Chappell
Ward 1 Committeewoman
Lawyer turned organizer, Free DC Congress Working Group Co-Chair, gun violence prevention advocate, knitter, mom, Ward 1.
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Vida Rangel
Ward 1 Committeewoman
Public servant and advocate, voter protection expert, union organizer, electoral and policy campaign professional, Queer TransLatina.
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Ethan Arnheim
Ward 1 Committeeman
Former international aid worker, DC housing provider, incumbent Ward 1 Committeeman, and past President of the LeDroit Park Civic Association.
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Alex Busbee
Ward 1 Committeeman
Ward 1 Dems Precinct 22 representative, Website Lead for Initiative 83, and voting rights advocate.
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Rachel Lesniak
Ward 2 Committeewoman
15-year DC resident making noise in Ward 2. Friendly face fighting for DC's right to self-determination.
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Trupti Patel
Ward 2 Committeewoman
Revolutionary Rani and worker advocate.
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Keaton DiCapo
Ward 2 Committeeman
Statehood advocate, labor ally, cat dad, and aspiring baker.
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Stevie McCarty
Ward 2 Committeeman
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Elizabeth Mitchell
Ward 3 Committeewoman
Daughter of DC, internet elder, dog mom, proud DCPS parent, Capital Stonewall Democrat, and founder of DC Blue Wave.
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Enicia Porter
Ward 3 Committeewoman
Air Force veteran and dog lover using her voice for those who may not be able to speak for themselves.
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Tarek Maassarani
Ward 3 Committeeman
25-year DC resident. Legal aid to restorative justice practitioner, community organizer and pollinator, Ward 3.
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Zachary Tashman
Ward 3 Committeeman
Community builder, labor organizer, progressive tax advocate, Ward 3.
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Brianna Gomez McGowan
Ward 4 Committeewoman
Organizer and advocate, schemer, dancer, world intersector, joyful systems builder.
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Corey Welcher
Ward 4 Committeewoman
DC Food Policy Council working group member, swimmer and yoga teacher, environmental justice advocate, food systems researcher, nature lover and friend.
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Charlie Burgess
Ward 4 Committeeman
Co-founder of ReDelicious, board member of Hampshire Gardens Cooperative; advocate of incarceration reform, poverty decriminalization, and access to higher education; cat dad, Ward 4.
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Slobodan Milic
Ward 4 Committeeman
Free DC organizer in Takoma. Washington Spirit fan and pickleball fanatic. International development expert. Parent to three teenagers.
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Yolanda Corbett
Ward 5 Committeewoman
Daughter of DC and second-generation Washingtonian. Community advocate committed to equity, education, and civic engagement, Ward 5.
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Shealia Tyson
Ward 5 Committeewoman
Housing counselor, senior organizer and leader, and advocate fighting to protect African American and low-income borrowers from predatory lending.
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Aaron Dickerson
Ward 5 Committeeman
Carpenter and small business owner, certified Wilderness First Responder, 2x AmeriCorps alum, cofounder of Edgewood Community Farm, proud progressive, father.
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Art Lloyd
Ward 5 Committeeman
Shelter bus driver and leader, former candidate for Ward 5 Councilmember, a kind man who listens.
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Daraja Carroll
Ward 6 Committeewoman
Women's basketball fan. History buff. Defense attorney. Ward 6.
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Lauren Kuritz
Ward 6 Committeewoman
DMV born and raised. 20+ years in DC as a public servant protecting human rights, labor rights, and the environment. Free DC Ward 6 team leader. Fighting for a DC that prioritizes long-term residents over investors.
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Avram Reisman
Ward 6 Committeeman
Electoral reform researcher, creative democracy advocate, democratic socialist, MARJB-SEIU union steward, dinner party chef, Ward 6.
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Paul Spires
Ward 6 Committeeman
Musician, former ANC, vibe curator and hype man, community activist and civic leader, Ward 6.
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Kenyatta Smith
Ward 7 Committeewoman
Cultural architect, community organizer and movement builder, lead educator for Initiative 83, Native Washingtonian.
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Sonya Waterhouse
Ward 7 Committeewoman
Eldercare expert, disability and youth opportunity advocate, food security advocate, Ward 7.
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Dia King
Ward 7 Committeeman
Native Washingtonian, Ward 7. Chant-leading, Go-Go-loving activist — y'all say it straight: Free DC Slate!
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Corey Shaw, Jr.
Ward 7 Committeeman
Lifelong Ward 7 resident, community organizer, and historian.
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Charnal Chaney
Ward 8 Committeewoman
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Georgette Joy Johnson
Ward 8 Committeewoman
Proud native Washingtonian, Realtor, community leader, two-term ANC 8C01 representing the historic Barry Farm community — working to advance fair housing, neighborhood investment, and accountable local government.
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Alejaibra Sloan
Ward 8 Committeeman
Ward 8 resident and community advocate. Cultural worker focused on clarity, care, and ethical leadership. Dancer. Father. Neighbor.