D.C. AG Orders Nominee to Quit Council Before Election Day

Robert White, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. House seat in D.C., must resign his position on the D.C. Council by Tuesday, October 27, to remain eligible to serve. The D.C. attorney general issued this directive based on a statutory interpretation that bars candidates from holding other paid public offices on election day.

The requirement stems from a 1970 law that defines the qualifications for the congressional office. The statute explicitly states that a candidate cannot hold another paid public office on the date of election. White’s legal team initially believed the rule did not apply to his specific circumstances, leading to a dispute with the attorney general’s office.

White learned of the qualification requirement around the time he filed to run for the open seat. He did not expect the attorney general to interpret the 1970 statute in this manner. “I didn’t expect this interpretation from the attorney general,” White told reporters on Wednesday. “We continue to have a disagreement. But spoken to many lawyers who read the law as I do, but that’s what happens sometimes.”

The nominee is currently weighing his legal options before the Monday deadline. “We’re continuing to explore options until Monday,” White said. “But I want to be very clear, I’m not going to do anything that’s gonna jeopardize my ability to serve this city in Congress.”

If White cannot find a clear legal path by the deadline, he will resign his council seat. The resignation will be effective before the Tuesday election, ensuring he meets the statutory requirements to assume the office if elected.