Salim Adofo has announced that he is running to fill the District of Columbia Council seat for Ward 8 - which is the very one that was vacated when the D.C. Council unanimously voted to expel Ward 8 Councilman Trayon White earlier this month.
Adofo actually ran against White for the Ward 8 Council seat in 2024. Adofo has served as an advisory neighborhood commissioner since 2019.
The special election to fill White's set is set for July 15, with early voting from July 11 to July 14, according to D.C.’s Board of Elections. The official nomination period for the prospective candidates will run from Feb. 18 until April 17.
So far, Adofo is the first candidate to announce their intention to run.
RELATED | DC Council votes to expel Ward 8 Councilman Trayon White amid bribery allegations
Last August, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested White on charges that he allegedly took tens of thousands in bribes for city contracts.
In December, Adofo told 7New he was worried about how White's expulsion would effect his community.
"[The accusations are] very serious. The lives of our community are at stake," Adofo said. "We're talking about violence intervention, healthcare, mental health, we're talking about housing. Those are some things that were mentioned, so that's very serious. These are all issues our ward faces on a day-to-day basis, which can make or break any family. We're also looking at budget season coming up. If there is expulsion, then that means we won't have anyone who is dedicated solely for the Ward 8 community to advocate for us."
Before he was expelled, 7News asked White if he were expelled, would he run again in a special election? White responded, "I am humbled. I don't know what's ahead, but I know God is good and his mercy endures forever."
There is currently no designated Ward 8 representative following White's expulsion.