Why is Muriel Bowser not running for reelection in DC? Who is?

For over a decade, Muriel Bowser has shaped Washington DC's political landscape, but her decision to seek reelection is opening the door to the city's first open mayoral race since 2014.

Bowser announced in November she would not seek a fourth term as DC mayor, clearing the way for a competitive field of candidates to enter the race to replace her.

Here's what to know two months before the mayoral primary.

Why is Muriel Bowser not running for a fourth term?

In an interview with the Washington Post in November, Bowser said she and her staff have "accomplished what we set out to accomplish" during her three-term mayoral tenure.

“I think I had to answer the question, if I’m the only one that can do it. And no, I’m not the only one that could do it,” she told the Post.

Although President Donald Trump said he liked Bowser, her advisors said she had grown tired in dealing with him, and it factored into her decision to not seek reelection, according to WAMU.

She said being mayor was the "honor of my life" but felt now was the time for the next decision-maker to lead the district.

"I know that there are a lot of people with ideas that can move this city forward," she told NBC News. "And, for me and for my family, now’s the time for me to do something else while I have a lot of energy and vigor and great ideas.”

Who is running for mayor in DC?

The mayoral Democratic primary has quickly consolidated around two leading candidates, council member Janeese Lewis George and former at-large council member Kenyan McDuffie.

George, who according to FOX 5 DC is a democratic socialist, announced her candidacy in December and is 53% likely to win June's primary, according to Kalshi.

A former assistant attorney general in DC, George has served as the Ward 4 council member since 2021.

McDuffie, who was first elected to the D.C. Council in 2012 before resigning last year, is considered more of a moderate candidate than George.

During his tenure, he positioned himself as a centrist voice on the Council, often emphasizing crime reduction, business growth and government accountability.

In a March straw poll conducted by Free DC at a candidate forum, George garnered 239 votes, compared to McDuffie with 162.

Other candidates include Vincent Orange, Talib Karim Muhammad, Gary Goodweather, Yaida Ford, Reagan Jones and Hope Solomon, according to FOX 5 DC.