Embattled Trayon White reelected to DC Council while facing federal bribery charges, AP projects

WASHINGTON — The Associated Press projects that Ward 8 Councilman Trayon White was reelected to the D.C. Council on Tuesday, securing another 4-year term, despite facing federal bribery charges. White defeated Republican challenger Nate Derenge, who ran on the platform of “not a bribe taker; ready to serve.” 

White has represented Ward 8 since 2017, following his time on the D.C. State Board of Education. In 2022, during his second term, he ran an unsuccessful primary campaign against Mayor Muriel Bowser. Ward 8 spans much of Southeast D.C., including Congress Heights, Bellevue, and historic Anacostia. 

White’s opponent, Derenge, repeatedly sought to capitalize on his legal issues during the campaign, going so far as to create a rap video titled “Trayon’s BeTRAYal.” 

The 40-year-old Ward 8 councilman’s future in office remains uncertain. If convicted, White could face up to 15 years in prison and disqualification from holding public office. White, who pleaded not guilty in September after declining a plea deal in August, has remained defiant. 

“I ain’t going nowhere,” White said in September. “I believe God is going to do something miraculous in our ward, and I plan on being here when it happens.” 

Federal charging documents allege that White accepted at least $35,000 in cash in a series of meetings between June and July. He is also accused of negotiating a 3% kickback on contract renewals and aiming to receive up to $156,000 from the scheme, allegedly discussing contracts in mental health and housing as part of the arrangement. White had chaired the Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs until the D.C. Council dissolved it in September following his arrest. 

Court documents quote White describing District contracts with DYRS and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement as “a cash cow,” emphasizing his interest in the arrangement. 

Since White’s arrest in August, the councilman has had to surrender his passport and is not allowed to own any guns. White also would have to let the court know if he has any plans to leave D.C. A status hearing to set White’s trial date is scheduled for Nov. 13.