DC Councilmember Robert White to resign before election to meet delegate eligibility

Robert White, an at-large member of the DC Council and the Democratic nominee for DC delegate to Congress, announced he will resign his council seat effective Monday, November 2, according to FOX 5 DC. This decision is intended to ensure he meets eligibility requirements to serve as the District’s delegate if elected in the November 3 general election.

The resignation stems from a provision in the District of Columbia Delegate Act of 1970, which requires that candidates for the nonvoting delegate position hold no other paid public office on the date of their election, according to WTOP and FOX 5 DC. DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb advised White that this means he must resign before Election Day to be eligible.

White disagrees with the Attorney General’s interpretation, stating that the law’s phrase “date of his election” is distinct from Election Day itself. He noted that while Election Day is November 3, official certification of election results is scheduled for December 2, according to WTOP and FOX 5 DC.

Despite his disagreement, White said he would resign unless a clear legal solution is reached. FOX 5 DC highlighted that White believes the Council’s authority under the Home Rule Act of 1973 may provide a way to resolve the issue, and he has explored legal and legislative options consistent with that view.

White’s resignation will cause some disruption for his constituents and council operations, including committee leadership, FOX 5 DC reported. The law has not previously affected delegate elections, and the current delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton, is retiring after 45 years in office.

Local leaders, including DC mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George, expressed hope that White’s situation can be resolved, emphasizing the need for his advocacy in Congress, according to WTOP.