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Salim Adofo
Salim Adofo (Democratic Party) ran in a special election to the Washington D.C. City Council to represent Ward 8. He lost in the special general election on July 15, 2025.
Adofo completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Salim Adofo served in the U.S. Army from 2003 to 2007. He earned a high school diploma from St. Mary High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of the District of Columbia in 2023. His career experience includes working as a business consultant.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: City elections in Washington, D.C. (2025)
General election
Special general election for Washington D.C. City Council Ward 8
The following candidates ran in the special general election for Washington D.C. City Council Ward 8 on July 15, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Trayon White (D) | 27.7 | 2,392 |
![]() | Sheila Bunn (D) ![]() | 24.8 | 2,140 | |
![]() | Mike Austin (D) ![]() | 24.4 | 2,103 | |
![]() | Salim Adofo (D) ![]() | 22.4 | 1,932 | |
![]() | Oliver Roy (D) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 0 | |
Mary Roach (D) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 0 | ||
Delonte Ford Singh (R) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 0 | ||
Other/Write-in votes | 0.7 | 63 |
Total votes: 8,630 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Doc Adams (R)
- Charnal Chaney (D)
- Khadijah Clark (D)
- Eric Cleckley (D)
- Kenneth Diggs (R)
Endorsements
To view Adofo's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Adofo in this election.
2024
See also: City elections in Washington, D.C. (2024)
General election
General election for Washington D.C. City Council Ward 8
The following candidates ran in the general election for Washington D.C. City Council Ward 8 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Trayon White (D) | 75.8 | 20,371 |
![]() | Nate Derenge (R) | 14.8 | 3,981 | |
![]() | Michael Reese (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 0 | |
Michael Brown (D) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 0 | ||
Khadijah Clark (D) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 0 | ||
June Sherman (D) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 0 | ||
![]() | Olivia Henderson (D) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 0 | |
Other/Write-in votes | 9.3 | 2,509 |
Total votes: 26,861 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. |
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Washington D.C. City Council Ward 8
Incumbent Trayon White defeated Salim Adofo and Rahman Branch in the Democratic primary for Washington D.C. City Council Ward 8 on June 4, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Trayon White | 51.5 | 3,835 |
![]() | Salim Adofo | 27.7 | 2,063 | |
![]() | Rahman Branch | 20.3 | 1,511 | |
Other/Write-in votes | 0.6 | 41 |
Total votes: 7,450 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. |
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Kevin Cannaday (D)
- Markus Batchelor (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Washington D.C. City Council Ward 8
Nate Derenge advanced from the Republican primary for Washington D.C. City Council Ward 8 on June 4, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Nate Derenge | 79.7 | 126 |
Other/Write-in votes | 20.3 | 32 |
Total votes: 158 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. |
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Quinn K. Nii (R)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Adofo in this election.
Campaign themes
2025
Video for Ballotpedia
Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released February 14, 2025 |
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Salim Adofo completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Adofo's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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|In the nonprofit sector, Salim served as a tenant organizer, helping over 800 Ward 8 residents access legal support and rental assistance during the COVID-19 crisis. He also helped form and strengthen tenant associations across the ward.
To improve education, Salim partnered with the National Society of Black Engineers to launch the Ward 8 STEM Academy, teaching local students science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts, while also building skills in critical thinking and conflict resolution.
As Commissioner, Salim led efforts to improve traffic safety and infrastructure by securing speed bumps near schools, road resurfacing, and raised sidewalks. He also launched the “Clean Ward 8” initiative—coordinating monthly cleanups that earned him the Mayor’s “Community Impact of the Year” Award in 2021.
Salim is a UDC graduate, a member of Union Temple Baptist Church and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and a proud resident of Congress Heights.- Ward 8 families deserve to live, work, and thrive without fear—but too many don’t feel safe. Homicides, especially among youth, are rising. As Councilmember, I’ll advance public safety by addressing root causes, supporting victims, and ensuring accountability. I’ll expand behavioral health crisis response, strengthen victim services, improve oversight of violence prevention programs, and support safe schools. Together, we can build a Ward 8 where every resident feels safe and supported.
- Young people in Ward 8 deserve to grow up in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment—one that empowers them to thrive. As Councilmember, I’ll expand career pathways, mentorship, and educational opportunities so youth never have to choose between safety and success. I’ll fight chronic truancy by partnering with schools to create hands-on, career-connected learning. I’ll strengthen Safe Passage routes and expand internships with life skills, leadership training, and clear paths to college, trades, or public service.
- Whether you live in Bellevue or Navy Yard, every Ward 8 resident deserves safe, clean, and affordable housing—with a path to homeownership. As Councilmember, I’ll enforce housing standards, expand HPAP and DC Open Doors, and increase workforce housing for essential workers. I’ll empower tenants, repurpose vacant properties, and protect seniors, disabled residents, and low-income families from displacement. I’ll also expand housing for survivors of domestic violence and returning citizens—ensuring all our neighbors have a stable place to call home.
Although D.C. is not a state, its Council operates with legislative powers similar to a state legislature. This gives the Ward 8 Councilmember the authority to shape laws that impact the entire city—while ensuring that a Ward 8 perspective is centered in key debates around housing, public safety, education, healthcare, and job creation. Just as critical is the office’s oversight function. Holding agencies like DCHA, MPD, and the Department of Behavioral Health accountable is essential to ensuring services are delivered fairly and equitably—especially in a community that has experienced chronic neglect.
The series reminds us that progress is never handed down from the top; it’s demanded by those bold enough to speak out, stand firm, and push forward in the face of resistance. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the Voting Rights Act, Eyes on the Prize captures how organizing, coalition-building, and moral clarity have reshaped our nation—and how those same principles continue to drive social change today.
Equally important is a deep commitment to public service. Dedication means consistently putting the needs of constituents above personal or political ambition. A strong sense of equity is vital, as elected leaders must champion policies that uplift historically marginalized communities and actively address systemic inequality. Courage is required to take principled stands, even when those positions are unpopular—if they serve the public’s best interest, they are worth fighting for.
Elected officials must also demonstrate responsiveness and accessibility. Listening actively to residents, respecting their concerns, and incorporating their feedback into policy decisions is foundational to good governance. Leaders should be visible and present—attending community events, responding to phone calls and emails, and making themselves available. Collaboration with fellow leaders, agencies, and local organizations is key to solving problems and delivering results.
Another critical duty is government oversight. A Councilmember must hold city agencies accountable to the people they serve—making sure roads are repaired, 311 requests are answered, schools are supported, and services are delivered efficiently. This includes actively monitoring the city’s budget to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, transparently, and in ways that truly benefit residents—especially those in historically underserved communities.
Equally important is constituent advocacy. Elected leaders must actively listen to residents—not only during election season but year-round. This means turning community concerns into policy action and being consistently present at ANC meetings, town halls, and neighborhood events. Accessibility, responsiveness, and relationship-building must be a top priority.
Community building is also essential. Councilmembers must foster strong partnerships with nonprofits, faith-based organizations, businesses, and neighborhood groups to create stronger, more resilient communities. That includes empowering residents through civic education, youth development, tenant organizing, and economic opportunity.
Another little-known responsibility is the Councilmember’s role in approving contracts over a certain threshold. This power enables the Ward 8 Council office to push for transparency and accountability in how city contracts are awarded—especially in ensuring local businesses and Ward 8-based contractors have a fair shot at participating in economic development projects. The Councilmember also plays a role in zoning and land-use decisions. Although the Zoning Commission has final authority, the Councilmember can influence redevelopment projects, affordable housing allocations, and the preservation of green space by shaping public opinion, introducing resolutions, and working with the Office of Planning and relevant agencies.
Problem-solving under pressure is another essential skill. The Councilmember must respond to layered challenges with innovative, community-driven solutions. From gun violence to school underfunding, they must cut through bureaucracy, build partnerships across sectors, and deliver measurable results. This requires not only critical thinking but also a deep understanding of agency operations and limitations.
Strong communication is vital. The Councilmember must listen actively, elevate resident concerns, and clearly communicate with government officials, stakeholders, and the public. Explaining policy, building support, and speaking with moral clarity—particularly on equity and justice—are essential for trust and progress.
Relationship-building is equally important. The Councilmember must collaborate with fellow Councilmembers, the Mayor, agency heads, and most importantly, Ward 8 residents. Progress requires coalitions, shared goals, and persistent advocacy.
What makes this office especially important is its role in elevating the voices of Ward 8 residents—many of whom have been excluded from policymaking processes for generations. By amplifying those perspectives, the Councilmember helps drive equity-focused policies not only for the ward but across the District. The office also has the authority to conduct oversight of District agencies, ensuring accountability in how public services are delivered. This is particularly important in Ward 8, where systemic failures by city agencies have often gone unchecked. Additionally, the Councilmember helps shape land-use and development decisions, influences appointments to city boards and commissions, and plays a key role in connecting residents to critical services and advocacy.
I believe every taxpayer has the right to know how their money is being spent and whether it’s truly serving the public good. That means clear, accessible reporting on budgets, contracts, and program outcomes, not just technical spreadsheets buried online. Transparency is about communication as much as compliance.
Accountability goes hand-in-hand. It means ensuring that agencies, departments, and elected officials are held responsible when services fall short, money is misused, or promises are broken. As Councilmember, I would demand strong oversight of District agencies, advocate for auditable performance benchmarks, and ensure community voices are included in oversight processes—especially in Ward 8, where residents have often been left out of decision-making.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2024
Salim Adofo did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.
See also
2025 Elections
Government
External links
Candidate Washington D.C. City Council Ward 8 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on June 25, 2025