CONTACT: Victor Horton
(202) 644-3394 | Victor@strongschoolsaction.org
Washington, DC — Center for Strong Public Schools Action Fund DC (CSPS Action Fund DC) today announced its endorsements in key 2026 citywide DC Council primary and special elections, backing a slate of candidates committed to advancing high-quality, equitable public education for all students.
The endorsements follow several weeks of vetting the field of candidates in each race. CSPS Action Fund sent questionnaires to every candidate and conducted rigorous interviews to assess their vision for education and priorities.
In response, Victor Horton, Deputy Director of CSPS Action Fund DC, issued the following statement:
“It’s a historic election in Washington, D.C., at a pivotal moment. Voters will have the opportunity to re-elect the Chairman of the DC Council and elect two new city-wide councilmembers to lead the nation’s capital through harmful federal interference, lean fiscal times, and the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education.
“D.C. voters deserve a DC Council that will lead through these unprecedented challenges and deliver real results for students. CSPS Action Fund’s first-ever endorsements reflect a deep commitment to championing courageous candidates who will put kids first by improving student outcomes and strengthening the public education system so it serves all students well, across DCPS and public charter schools.
“As chairman of the DC Council, Phil Mendelson is a proven leader who delivers results for all students, families, and communities across the city. He passed landmark legislation like Schools First to protect DCPS funding, limiting teacher losses, and he has championed equitable funding for public charter schools. He has also supported critical investments in evidenced-based reading instruction and remains focused on reducing student absenteeism. Under his leadership, D.C. was ranked first in the nation for learning recovery in math and reading for grades 3 to 8. Additionally, teacher retention and graduation rates have improved in recent years, showing true return on these investments.
“Lisa Raymond brings decades of leadership in education policy, school leadership, and senior roles in government, focused on delivering real results for D.C. students and residents. As a former State Board of Education President and DC Council advisor, Lisa Raymond has helped shape standards, accountability, and key investments across D.C. Additionally, having managed the operations of schools, she knows what it takes to deliver an excellent education. She is committed to supporting students by strengthening teacher quality and preparing students for meaningful careers.
“Greg Jackson has articulated a vision for quality education for all youth that includes a focus on attendance, literacy, and High-Impact Tutoring. Additionally, he brings a clear, results-driven focus on the connection between education, safety, and opportunity for D.C.’s children. As a national leader on gun violence prevention and a longtime advocate, Greg Jackson understands the conditions that enable students to thrive from cradle to career.
“Jacque D. Patterson has made a lifelong commitment to educational equity, grounded in decades of service to D.C. students and families. As a parent, community leader, and State Board of Education President, Jacque has worked to ensure every child, regardless of zip code, has access to a high-quality public education. His focus on expanded student support and career pathways reflects a deep belief in improving outcomes for all kids and strengthening communities.
“Newly appointed Councilmember Doni Crawford has demonstrated a commitment to supporting the whole student and expanding real opportunities. She has advocated for equitable school funding and helped pass into law a citywide study of youth workforce programs aimed at strengthening career pathways, especially for those not seeking a four-year degree. Looking ahead, she plans to support evidence-based reading instruction and a clear district-wide AI policy to strengthen, not harm, student learning.
“Too many students in DC are still not getting the education they deserve. These endorsements reflect CSPS Action Fund’s belief in strong leadership that will push beyond the status quo and transform public education.”
ABOUT:
The Center for Strong Public Schools Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization with offices in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Our D.C. office is building a pipeline of elected officials who are passionate about transforming public education so that every D.C. 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.
