2026 Election Cycle Launches with Release of Nominating Petitions

District of Columbia Board of Elections Triggers Start of 2026 Campaign

The District of Columbia Board of Elections (DCBOE) has officially marked the start of the 2026 election cycle today, Friday, January 23, 2026. In a key administrative action, the Board has determined the final signature requirements for candidates and made nominating petitions available for several of the District’s highest offices. This launch sets the stage for the Primary Election scheduled for June 16, 2026.

According to the official election calendar, the following positions are up for election this year:

• Mayor of the District of Columbia
• Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia
• At-Large Member of the Council
• Ward Members of the Council (Wards 1, 3, 5, and 6)
• Attorney General
• Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives

Starting today, prospective candidates can begin the formal process of gathering signatures from registered voters to qualify for the ballot. The DCBOE has also posted the exact number of qualified registered electors by party, ward, and precinct to clarify the threshold each candidate must meet to successfully file their petitions.

Mayor Bowser Deploys Snow Team as Winter Storm Approaches

While the political calendar heats up, the District government is also focused on public safety as a major winter storm approaches. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District Snow Team are currently in a high state of readiness. Following a press conference held late yesterday, the city has begun brining operations across major roadways. The Mayor warned that dangerously low temperatures are expected to begin this evening, with the potential for significant snow and freezing rain over the weekend.

Residents are encouraged to check on vulnerable neighbors and follow cold weather emergency protocols. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) confirmed that while federal and local government offices remained open under normal status this morning, officials are monitoring the forecast to determine if weekend operations or Monday commutes will be impacted by the extreme cold and precipitation.

Additional Government Actions and Infrastructure Updates

Beyond election and weather preparations, other District agencies released official notices today. The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) published its latest round of protest notices for several establishments across the city, including venues in Georgetown and the Navy Yard. Meanwhile, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) continued essential infrastructure work, with single-lane closures scheduled on the I-395 HOV Bridge through noon today for ongoing concrete deck replacement and preventive maintenance.