Former Washington, D.C., Councilman Trayon White is running for office again after he was indicted on federal bribery charges and expelled from office.
On Sunday, White teased a reelection campaign, telling his Instagram followers that his “ReElection campaign starts tomorrow.”
The announcement follows the D.C. Council’s unanimous vote in February to expel White from office, citing the official’s “quintessential corruption.”
“There is only one remedy: to remove the corruption from our body,” Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said after a preliminary vote recommending White for expulsion. “This incident has damaged the public trust necessary for the government to function well. Anything less than expulsion will not rectify the situation.”
The FBI arrested White in August 2024 on federal bribery charges, accusing him of accepting $156,000 in bribes to influence government contracts, including those involving the district’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement and the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services.
White, who represented Ward 8, pleaded not guilty. He handily won reelection in November, with 83% of the vote, issuing a vague apology to his constituents for the first time in January 2025.
“This morning, I want to say that I apologize to my city, and I love my city to the core of who I am,” White said after he was sworn into office. “I’m not a perfect man, but if you get to know me, you know that I’m a good man.”
A jury trial for the case is set for January 2026. If convicted, White could face up to 15 years in prison.
Since White was ousted as a council member in February, the entire D.C. council has represented his seat.
DC COUNCIL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS EXPELLING TRAYON WHITE AMID BRIBERY INVESTIGATION
A special election to fill the vacant council seat is set for July 15.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Mendelson and other council members for comment.