Mayor Muriel Bowser’s announcement that she will not seek reelection marks an important moment in the history of our city. For the past decade, she has carried the responsibilities of leading the nation’s capital through unprecedented challenges—public safety concerns, a global pandemic, federal intervention, economic instability, and the dramatic rise in the cost of living. These were not easy years, and I want to thank her for her service to the District of Columbia.
Mayor Bowser has shown strength, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to Washington, D.C. Her tenure reflects the weight of managing a city that is not just a home to 700,000 residents, but the symbolic center of American democracy. Leading the nation’s capital is unlike leading any other city in America. The pressures, expectations, and federal complexities require a skill set that has transformed dramatically since she first took office.
Today, the challenges facing our city are different from those of ten years ago. The affordability crisis is deeper. Community trust in government has eroded. Federal oversight has intensified. Agencies need rebuilding. Returning citizens deserve dignity and opportunity. Families and seniors need a city they can afford to stay in. Small businesses need a government that works. And our future requires leadership rooted in accountability, compassion, and a bold vision for economic fairness.
As I seek the Democratic nomination for Mayor, I do so with respect for the service that has come before me—and with a clear understanding that the next era of leadership must be defined by transparency, community partnership, and a commitment to putting D.C. residents first.
I look forward to continuing conversations with Mayor Bowser in the months ahead. Her insights and experience are invaluable, and I welcome any opportunity to discuss how we can work together to strengthen the city we both love.
Washington, D.C. deserves a future worthy of its people, its history, and its promise. That work continues—and together, we will build the next chapter.

— Ernest E. Johnson
Candidate for Mayor of the District of Columbia http://www.secure.actblue.com/donate/ernest-johnson-1 /www.ernestformayor2026.com