2026 Midterms State GuideDistrict of Columbia
Hold on to your metro card and shadow congresspersons.
- PrimaryDistrictwideJun. 16This date has passed.
- Election DayGeneralNov. 3
Updated
Hi! It’s me, Shadrach. Apparently, I’m your civic guide today. If you’ve been complaining about how things are going (and I’ve heard you, the walls are thin), this guide will help you feel informed and able to vote in this year’s midterms. Now, hold on to your metro card and shadow congresspersons, and let’s get into it.
District of Columbia at a glance
District of Columbia votes on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, for Delegate to the House, U.S. Shadow Senator, U.S. Shadow Representative and one statewide ballot measure.
- Election Day
- Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026
- Voter registration
- Oct. 13: Voter registration deadline
- Delegate to the House
- 3 candidates
- U.S. Shadow Senator
- 3 candidates
- U.S. Shadow Representative
- 1 candidate
- Statewide ballot measures
- 1
Your to-do list
0 of 3 doneImportant dates
- Sept. 28 (tentative)The D.C. Board of Elections begins mailing ballots to all registered voters This date has passed.
- Oct. 13Voter registration deadline
- Oct. 13Deadline to change party affiliation.
- Oct. 19Deadline to request a mail ballot
- Oct. 31Deadline for UOCAVA (military/overseas) voters to request a ballot
- Nov. 3Election Day.
What’s at stake
D.C. voters have a shake up in the Delegate to the House position: incumbent Eleanor Holmes Norton announced her retirement after 18 terms in Congress, making this the first time in 35 years voters are starting from scratch. When it comes to issues D.C. voters feel local government should focus on, cost of living topped the bunch at 77%, followed by housing (72%), public safety (72%), schools and education (70%), and standing up to Trump (56%). While the Delegate, shadow senator, and shadow representative can't vote on the House floor, they're still D.C.’s megaphone in Congress.
Who’s on your ballot
Tap a race to see the candidates.
- Get to know ’em
Robert WhiteDemocrat - Get to know ’emDenise RosadoRepublican
- Get to know ’em
Kymone FreemanGreen Party
- Get to know ’em
Rob SimmonsRepublican - Get to know ’em
Greg MayeIndependent
Franklin GarciaDemocrat
All U.S. House of Representatives seats are up for election every two years. Find your district here.
- Shadrach’s big picture
D.C. elects one non-voting Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. The Delegate can vote in committee, introduce legislation, and speak on the floor, but cannot cast a final vote on bills. Voters also elect one shadow representative and one shadow senator who lobby Congress to grant statehood to their district. They do not have floor or voting privileges.
Statewide ballot measures
1 to read before you go. Tap one to open it.
This initiative would prohibit the force-feeding of birds to enlarge their livers and ban the commercial sale, distribution, and importation of foie gras (a fancy food product made from the swollen livers of said force-fed birds) and other fattened bird liver products in Washington, D.C.
Voting yessupports prohibiting the force-feeding of birds to enlarge their livers and banning the commercial sale, distribution, and importation of foie gras and other fattened bird liver products in D.C.Voting noopposes this initiative, keeping foie gras and other fattened bird liver products legal to sell, distribute, and import in D.C.
Also on the ballot
Other races District of Columbia voters will decide.
- Other state executive
- School boards
- Municipal government
Whose job is it?
Ten things government does. Tap the office that does each one.
Whose job is it to…
1 of 10
Declare a state of emergency after a hurricane or flood?
Pass it on
Know someone voting in District of Columbia?
Send them the guide. It takes one tap, and it saves them an evening of arguing in a group chat.
A prayer for District of Columbia
Good Father, we pray for Washington D.C. as the midterms approach. Thank you for the privilege voters have to cast their vote for the good of their community. Sharpen their attention, help them see the ballot with your eyes, and help them vote with both conviction and humility.
May candidates campaign with integrity. Remind them that the office is not a mere prize to be won, but a profound responsibility to steward carefully. If they win, surround them with wise counsel and guide them toward decisions that serve their constituents. For those who lose, bring comfort and give them grace for their actions.
Draw near to all Washingtonians tempted toward anxiety, anger, or despair. Give Your ambassadors a settledness in their heavenly citizenship, a confidence in your unshakeable kingdom, and opportunities to share that kingdom’s peace with their neighbors.
Amen.