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The nation’s capital will have a new mayor after voters Tuesday ousted Adrian Fenty, a backer of education reform who some said had become out of touch.
Fenty lost the city’s Democratic primary to District of Columbia Council Chairman Vincent Gray just four years after sweeping into office with unprecedented support. The victory virtually assures that Gray will be the city’s next mayor. He faces no GOP competition in November and the city is overwhelmingly Democratic. Fenty has said he will not be a write-in candidate.
Early Wednesday, with 90 percent of precincts reporting, Gray had 59,285 votes or 53 percent, compared with 50,850 votes for Fenty, or 46 percent.
“Now it’s time for us to look forward, now we can work to unite our great city so that every resident has not only a voice, but has a role in facing the challenges we have ahead,” Gray said during a speech early Wednesday at the Washington Court Hotel near Union Station, where he celebrated with supporters.
“Thank you District of Columbia! Tonight, the people of the District sent a message loud and clear that they want to bring character, integrity and leadership back to the Mayor’s office, and that it’s time we come together as ‘One City!’ A short while ago I received a call from Mayor Fenty. I congratulated him for running a hard and spirited campaign, and he was gracious in offering his support moving forward. Despite our differences, I know that Adrian Fenty shares our commitment to this city. Please join me in applauding and thanking him for his record of service to the people of the District of Columbia.” Read the entire victory speech on the Washington Post.
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