City Cast DC Where Are The Mayoral Candidates? Trumpington USA, and Things We Hated This Week
Feb 27, 2026
They unpack why the mayoral race feels invisible and which candidates are struggling to break through. They debate automation and Waymo’s future in the city. They trace a wave of Trump-style rebranding across local projects and institutions. They round up the week’s viral local outrages and mourn a beloved neighborhood burger joint.
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How Media Collapse Shapes The Mayoral Race
- DC's 2026 open-seat mayoral race is unusually low-profile because local news capacity has collapsed and national politics crowd out coverage.
- Michael Schaffer argues this environment advantages Janice Lewis-George due to her social media energy and passionate online following.
Grassroots Campaign Work Is Invisible Without Local Reporters
- Local coverage gaps mean the mayoral campaign grind (small events, neighborhood work) goes unseen, favoring candidates with viral reach rather than traditional retail campaigns.
- Bridget Todd notes surviving outlets aren't staffed to do the minute-by-minute reporting a mayoral race requires.
Social Media Favors Big Promises Over Nuance
- Social media rewards bold, attention-getting promises over moderate policy nuance, changing who gains traction in city politics.
- Michael Schaffer contrasts Janice Lewis-George's high-visibility pledges with traditional candidates whose mixed messages don't go viral.