Robert White has won the Democratic primary for Washington, D.C.'s delegate to the House of Representatives, defeating fellow D.C. Council member Brooke Pinto. With 64% of the vote counted early Wednesday morning, White received 58,269 votes (63.2%) compared to Pinto's 19,792 votes (21.5%), according to the Associated Press. In the deep-blue district, White is all but guaranteed to win the November general election, replacing longtime delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, who is retiring after 35 years in office.
White, who has served on the D.C. Council since 2016, previously worked in Norton's congressional office as a legislative counselor. He campaigned on expanding affordable housing, job opportunities, and education, while advocating for D.C. statehood as his "top priority." Pinto, who joined the council in 2020, focused on public safety, supporting local businesses, and expanding education resources. Both candidates vowed to defend the district's autonomy against federal interference.
The race marked the first competitive contest for the delegate seat in decades, following Norton's decision not to seek re-election amid questions about her mental acuity. Norton, 89, was first elected in 1990 and became a key figure in D.C.'s fight for statehood and home rule. Her retirement opened the door for a new generation of leaders to shape the district's future representation in Congress.
The delegate position allows White to introduce legislation, serve on committees, and advocate for D.C. on Capitol Hill, though he will not have a final vote on the House floor. His victory sets the stage for a potential clash with federal authorities, particularly if President Donald Trump continues his efforts to exert control over the district's policies.