Council appoints Donnie Crawford as interim at-large member; swearing-in set for 3 p.m.

Chairman Mendelson opened an additional legislative meeting of the Council of the District of Columbia on Jan. 20, 2026, and put before the chamber a resolution to appoint Donnie Crawford as the interim at-large council member to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Kenya McDuffie.

Members offered unanimous praise for Crawford’s experience and readiness. Councilmember Lewis George said Crawford had been “an integral part” of council work and praised her commitment to equity and accountability. Councilmember Parker described the selection as “measured and sensible,” citing Crawford’s committee experience and budget work. Councilmember Robert White called the appointment “consequential,” and several other members said they were confident Crawford could begin contributing immediately.

Chairman Mendelson moved the resolution. After a roll-call vote in which the secretary recorded the named members as voting yes, the chair announced the resolution passed unanimously with 12 yes votes. Mendelson said the swearing-in would occur the same day at 3:00 p.m. in the council chambers.

The discussion preceding the vote emphasized continuity and institutional knowledge: members noted Crawford’s years of council service, prior work at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, and familiarity with the budget and oversight processes. Several speakers also acknowledged the large applicant pool—Mendelson said about 42 people expressed interest—and thanked those who applied.

The appointment is effective immediately and continues through certification of the special election results, as described by the chair. The council adjourned at 12:41 p.m.