ANC and Shadow Senator Endorsements

ANCs are non-partisan, locally elected representatives that serve on Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (also ANCs, yes it’s confusing). There are 345 Commissioners, each of whom serves 2,000 constituents for two-year terms. Each of the 46 Commissions are made up of at least two Commissioners, though most have 6-10.

Commissions advise the DC and Federal governments on important issues facing their community, including housing issues. Their role is advisory, but District agencies are required to give “great weight” to their recommendations.

Process

We sent a short survey to every ANC to ask them about their views on housing in DC and their communities. When making our endorsement decisions, we considered many factors, including their answers to our survey, other public statements they made, their record (if any) as incumbents, and their opponents’ views, if applicable. Candidates were not eligible for endorsement if they had not responded to our survey. You can read all survey responses here.

Endorsements

Our ANC endorsements are listed below by single member district (SMD).

Candidates’ fundraising information and websites are listed next to their name if we have it, and we urge you to donate. You can contribute up to $25 to each ANC candidate, and contributions make a real difference. Unlike many campaigns that make news and can cost millions or even billions to run and are decided by tens of thousands of votes, an ANC campaign will likely cost just a few hundred dollars and can be decided by fewer than a dozen votes.

Candidates We Endorse

Candidates with asterisks are in contested races. You can find your SMD at OpenANC.org.

DC does not have full congressional representation. In addition to our Delegate to the House of Representatives, DC elects two “Shadow” Senators and one “Shadow” Representative. These Shadow representatives do not hold seats within their chambers, but advocate for the district’s interests and work towards recognition of statehood for the District.

DC YIMBYs is endorsing Ankit Jain for DC’s Shadow Senator. Ankit has been a vocal YIMBY, campaigning on the issue and attending multiple DC YIMBY events. Housing issues have been receiving increased attention from national lawmakers, and federal legislation, including the Height Act and provisions of the Home Rule Act that prevent DC from determining its own zoning code, are obstacles to building new housing in the District. It is important to have Ankit’s voice representing us on the national stage.