DATE: May 4, 2026
CONTACT: Victor Horton
(202) 644-3394 | Victor@strongschoolsaction.org
Washington, DC — The Center for Strong Public Schools Action Fund DC (CSPS Action Fund DC) today announced its endorsements in key ward-level DC Council races, backing two candidates who have demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening public education and expanding opportunity for students across Washington, DC.
The endorsements follow a comprehensive vetting process that included candidate questionnaires, policy alignment reviews, and interviews to assess each candidate’s vision for education and readiness to lead on behalf of DC’s students and families.
In response, Victor Horton, Deputy Director of CSPS Action Fund DC, issued the following statement:
“At a time when too many students are still not getting the education they deserve, we need courageous leaders who are passionate about transforming public education.
“CSPS Action Fund DC’s endorsements reflect our confidence in candidates who are prepared to meet this moment with urgency and a deep commitment to putting kids first.
“Current Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker is a former educator who has shown dedication to improving outcomes for students across the District. He has championed math outcomes through legislation, paving the way for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s Math Taskforce recommendations. He sought to improve student attendance and access to work-based learning opportunities. Additionally, as the Chair of the DC Council’s Committee on Youth Affairs, Councilmember Parker has prioritized delivering education and services to the students furthest from opportunity, and regularly uplifts the perspectives and voices of DC’s youth in decision-making.
“Charles Allen is a three-term DC Councilmember who has consistently championed policies that support students both in and out of the classroom. He has prioritized student attendance and helped secure investments and reform in school modernizations. He has passed into law legislation to ensure that schools are safer, particularly for students who suffer from seizures and epilepsy. Further, through the historic Books from Birth program, Councilmember Allen delivers reading access to homes across the city. Allen has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring that young people have the resources they need to succeed academically and thrive in their communities.
“Each endorsed candidate aligns with CSPS Action Fund DC’s core policy priorities, including advancing evidence-based strategies to improve reading and math proficiency, reducing chronic absenteeism, ensuring equitable school funding, and expanding access to college and career pathways.
“As the election approaches, CSPS Action Fund DC will continue to elevate education as a top issue and ensure voters understand what’s at stake. We are committed to supporting leaders who will move beyond the status quo and deliver the bold action needed to improve outcomes for students across Washington, DC.”
Read CSPS Action Fund DC’s Key Citywide DC Council Endorsements
ABOUT:
The Center for Strong Public Schools Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization with offices in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, DC. Our DC office is building a pipeline of elected officials who are passionate about transforming public education so that every DC student—especially Black, Brown, and low-income students—attends a high-quality public school regardless of their zip code. We recruit, train, and support courageous leaders who put kids first. Learn more at strongschoolsaction.org/dc.
