During gentrification waves that raised housing costs and priced out Black residents in Washington, DC's mayor Muriel Bowser cruised to reelection four years ago without facing serious opposition. At a time when the city enjoyed prosperity, the main criticism of her policies was that the city grew too quickly, driving up housing costs and forcing out Black residents.
Mass shootings are playing out around the country, forcing progressives to face off against party traditionalists in longtime Democratic strongholds.
“Call it sky blue vs. Tar Heel blue,” said Michael Fauntroy, an associate professor of policy and government at George Mason University. “People have an anxiousness around crime. There’s no question about that.”
As violent crime and homicide rates spiral, Bowser is in a reelection fight, facing off against two opponents from the District of Columbia Council who accuse her of mishandling public safety issues and criticize her push to hire more police.
20 June 2022
Comments