DC Area Politics in 2023: What to Watch

It’s Cuney. My Town Talkers column covers local politics this year.

? Republican House of Representatives

If Republicans get their affairs in order, whether they elect or throw Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House, they’ll likely deliver on their promise to interfere more in local Washington DC affairs.

• The U.S. Congress, sometimes known as the Supercity Council, retains the final say on districts. They say they will investigate Mayor Muriel Bowser, and some want to strip him of his Home Rules.

? Waiting for the FBI

The FBI HQ Sweepstakes is a never-ending story. Back in 2018, President Trump was obsessed with the fate of a “terrifying” ghoulish building downtown.

• We have come a long way since then. The federal government was supposed to decide on the final location last year.
• As I wrote, the Prince George’s County and Springfield sites are vying for headquarters, which is a valuable employer for both suburbs.

⚡️ Virginia Elections

The Virginia legislature is slightly divided, with Democrats typically hoping for a cushion of one or two votes in the Senate, and Republicans with a four-member majority in the House.

• This year, all 40 seats in the Senate and 100 seats in the House will be put to the ballot.

This will be the first major political test for Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who has used the 2021 win and Papa Best vibes for national promotion.

Wilsonville

Mayor Bowser started his third term this week with a promise to “push the envelope.”

• We’ll see how she gets along with the DC Council and new Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who takes office on more friendly terms with the mayor than his predecessor.

? Town Talker is a weekly column on local politics and power. Contact me for topics in town: [email protected]