Don’t call it a comeback! Months after a city council member in Washington, D.C. was removed from his seat following a federal investigation, he has made the return of the century.
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Trayon White Sr. was arrested by the FBI last August, even being placed in hand cuffs and perp walked in front of press. But now, it seems he’s back for redemption after defeating three candidates vying for his empty seat. But in order to understand White’s fight, you have to go all the way back to the beginning…
As we previously reported, many deemed White as a rising star in D.C. politics, with folks even drawing comparisons between him and D.C.’s forever Mayor Marion Barry. He was first elected to serve as city council member for Ward 8 in 2016 then again in 2020. But his steep climb to the top came crumbling down following a bombshell federal investigation.
According to a criminal complaint against him, the 41-year-old was accused of “agreed[ing] to accept approximately $156,000 in undisclosed kickbacks and cash payments” as far back as June 2024. In return, he allegedly pressured government agencies, like the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement and the Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services, to extend contracts across the District.
But before that, White found himself in trouble in March 2024, when he was exposed for owing over $80,000 in campaign related fines, according to Fox 5 News. And prior to that, $59,000 went “missing” during White’s unsuccessful run for mayor in 2022.
This led to his federal arrest and ousting last year, but despite the controversies plaguing his name, White was well within his rights to run again… so he did just that. In a shocking turn of events, he defeated his opponents and celrbated saying, “We sent a message loud and clear to D.C. City Council that Trayon White is here to stay,” according to AP News.
Residents reacted to his reelection with mixed reviews. “It’s just not right,” Frieda Jackson told WTOP. “They should have waited through the trial, and if he was found not guilty, then of course put him back in there… But he’s guilty.”
Another resident, Courtney Harris Whitaker, said she believes the case against him holds no weight. “It made me have doubts. It made me look to other candidates,” Whitaker said. “But I turned right back around and voted for him because I voted for him last term. I think he’s been set up.”
It’s still a long road for White, who will go to trial in 2026. Not only that, but White still risks being removed from his position again by the remaining council members. Still, his victory clearly shows he has strong support from D.C. residents… at least the ones who voted for him.
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