DC Mayor Bowser wins Democratic primary, fends off fierce competition, criticism about violent crime

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser won the Democratic primary on Tuesday night, advancing to the general election to seek a third term – in a race that drew a field of strong challengers thinking the city's crime rate made her vulnerable for defeat.

The Associated Press called the race for Bowser after she won more than 55% of the vote with nearly 40% of ballots counted.

She faced off against three challengers, including City Council members Robert White and Trayvon White.

Robert White was runner-up. 

Trayvon White finished third. He made headlines for saying several years ago that the wealthy Jewish banking family the Rothschilds are "controlling the climate to create natural disasters." He reportedly made such comments twice and apologized at least once. 

Metropolitan Police Department statistics show that compared to 2021 year-to-date, homicides have increased 15% in D.C. while robbery has increased 32%. 

Bowser will face off this fall against Republican Stacia Hall, the lone GOP mayoral candidate. 

Bowser is likely to win reelection, as the District of Columbia has never had a Republican mayor.