Results

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At G Ratings, we conducted a public opinion survey in Washington, D.C. to measure the political climate ahead of the 2026 primary mayoral election.

We surveyed adults aged 18 and older residing in Washington, D.C. who confirmed that they were registered to vote and intended to participate in the upcoming election.

In this study, we present the main findings on voter preference, political affiliation, second-choice rankings, key public concerns, and the demographic profile of respondents.

The results show Janeese Lewis George leading the Democratic primary with 42.2%, followed by Kenyan McDuffie with 31.6%.

First-Choice Preference in the Democratic Primary

If the Democratic primary election for mayor were held today, respondents ranked the following candidates first on their ballot:

1. Janeese Lewis George: 42.2%
2. Kenyan McDuffie: 31.6%
3. Gary Goodweather: 5.5%
4. Vincent Orange: 5.0%
5. Rini Sampath: 3.9%

The survey shows Janeese Lewis George with a clear lead in first-choice support, while Kenyan McDuffie remains the second strongest contender in the race.

Second-Choice Preference in the Democratic Primary

At G Ratings, we also asked respondents which candidate they would rank second on their ballot. The results show Kenyan McDuffie leading as the strongest second-choice option.

1. Kenyan McDuffie: 27.3%
2. Janeese Lewis George: 15.1%
3. Vincent Orange: 10.5%
4. Gary Goodweather: 9.8%
5. Rini Sampath: 9.1%

These numbers provide an important view of how voter preferences may shift within a ranked-choice environment, especially among candidates competing for broader support beyond their first-choice base.

Political Affiliation of Respondents

The survey measured the political affiliation of participants in Washington, D.C. The results show a strongly Democratic electorate.

1. Democratic affiliation: 76.5%
2. Independent or other affiliation: 18.0%
3. Republican affiliation: 5.5%

This distribution helps explain the central role of the Democratic primary in Washington, D.C.’s local political landscape.

Main Issues Facing Washington, D.C.

We surveyed residents on what they believe is the most important issue facing Washington, D.C. today. The results show that crime and the economy are the top concerns among respondents.

1. Crime: 33.3%
2. Economy, jobs, inflation, and taxes: 25.6%
3. State of democracy: 12.5%
4. Education: 10.2%
5. Healthcare: 6.8%
6. Immigration: 5.4%
7. Abortion access: 3.1%
8. Foreign policy: 2.1%
9. Something else: 1.0%

The findings indicate that public safety and economic stability are shaping the concerns of voters as Washington, D.C. moves closer to the 2026 mayoral election.

Demographic Profile of the Survey

The survey included a diverse demographic profile across gender, age, and ethnicity.

By gender, respondents were distributed as follows:

1. Male: 66.7%
2. Female: 33.3%

By age group, the results were:

1. 18–29 years: 14.2%
2. 30–39 years: 19.3%
3. 40–49 years: 18.5%
4. 50–59 years: 18.3%
5. 60–69 years: 16.2%
6. 70 years or older: 13.5%

By ethnicity, the survey recorded the following composition:

1. White or Caucasian: 33.5%
2. Hispanic or Latino: 27.5%
3. Asian: 18.5%
4. Black or African American: 11.5%
5. Other or multiple races: 9.0%

Methodology

At G Ratings, we conducted this survey among 850 complete questionnaires from adults aged 18 and older residing in Washington, D.C.

Fieldwork was carried out between June 09 and June 14. During this period, participants confirmed that they were registered to vote and intended to participate in the upcoming election.

The study used a non-probability sample design, balanced by relevant demographic and geographic variables, including gender, age group, region, education level, and ethnicity.

This process employed Odysseus, a technological platform developed by G Ratings by GobernArte S.C., which incorporates algorithmic models to ensure a distribution consistent with reference population parameters.

Data collection was conducted through self-administered digital questionnaires accessible on mobile devices and computers. The survey was administered in English.

For a sample size of 850 questionnaires, the theoretical margin of error is estimated at ±3.5%, assuming a 95% confidence level and simple random sampling. Since this study uses a non-probability design, the margin of error should be interpreted as an approximate statistical reference rather than an exact estimate of total study error.

The estimated completion rate was approximately 50%, representing the proportion of eligible individuals who received the invitation and successfully finished the survey.

G Ratings adhered to current United States legislation regarding the protection, privacy, and confidentiality of personal data. All information provided by participants was treated anonymously and used exclusively for statistical research and public opinion analysis.

This survey was commissioned, conducted, funded, and analyzed by G Ratings, a company incorporated in the state of Florida, USA, solely for informational purposes, having been neither commissioned nor funded by any pre-candidate, candidate, political campaign, or political party.