District of Columbia councilmember elect Trayon White, center, pumps his fist as he arrives to his Ward 8 special election watch party, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
DC COUNCIL EXPELS TRAYON WHITE FOLLOWING FEDERAL BRIBERY CHARGE
A Justice Department statement from August 2024 alleges that White agreed to accept the bribes in exchange for "using his official position to pressure renewal" of contracts valued at $5.2 million.
White was allowed to run in the special election because he had not been convicted of a felony.
"So we sent a message loud and clear to D.C. City Council that Trayon White is here to stay," White said in his victory speech, according to the Associated Press, which called the race. The outlet added that the troubled ousted council member told the story of his return to office as one of resilience and redemption.
District of Columbia councilmember-elect Trayon White speaks at his Ward 8 special election watch party, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
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White’s story echoes that of controversial former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry in more ways than one. Barry famously staged a historic political comeback after the FBI caught him on camera smoking crack cocaine.
White is being represented by Frederick D. Cooke Jr., who also served as Barry’s defense attorney, according to the Associated Press. Furthermore, after his two mayoral terms, Barry served as the Ward 8 representative on the D.C. Council, first winning the seat in 2005. He held the position until his death in 2014.
Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/former-dc-councilmember-wins-back-seat-months-after-being-expelled-over-bribery-charge