The Gist
Chairman of the Council
Photo of Phil Mendelson
Phil MendelsonOfficial portrait — Council of the District of Columbia

Phil Mendelson

Candidate for Chairman of the Council

DemocraticIncumbent

Background

Occupation
Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia
Lives in
Southeast DC
Campaign website
mendelson2026.com

Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia since June 2012, when colleagues selected him after the previous chairman resigned; elected chairman in 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2022. At-large councilmember from 1999 to 2012, chairing the Committee on the Judiciary 2005-2012, and earlier an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — Council of the District of Columbia

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Supports delivering services without raising residents' tax burdens.

    Meet Phil

    Campaign website · Mendelson for Chairman 2026 · mendelson2026.com

    “He also believes that government can accomplish this without increasing the tax burdens shouldered by our residents.”
    Report

  • Supports maintaining existing programs before adding new spending.In office

    From his remarks at the Council's January 2, 2025 swearing-in ceremony.

    Chairman Mendelson Remarks at Council Swearing-In Ceremony

    Public statement · Office of Council Chairman Phil Mendelson · Jan 2, 2025 · chairmanmendelson.com

    “we can't keep adding new things to pay for, when we aren't taking care of everything we already have”
    Report

Public safety

  • Authored the District's gun control laws after the Heller ruling.In office

    His official Council biography lists the District's post-Heller gun control laws among the laws he authored; he chaired the Committee on the Judiciary from 2005 to 2012.

    Chairman Phil Mendelson

    Government record · Council of the District of Columbia · dccouncil.gov

    “authoring Budget Autonomy, the District's gun control laws”
    Report

Economy & jobs

  • Led Council revisions to the Commanders' RFK stadium deal.In office

    His July 24, 2025 release scheduled a Committee of the Whole vote and listed changes to the mayor's term sheet, including about $674 million in parking and sales-tax revenue over 30 years going to the District and a $50 million community benefits agreement.

    Chairman Mendelson Announces Vote on RFK Stadium Legislation

    Public statement · Office of Council Chairman Phil Mendelson · Jul 24, 2025 · chairmanmendelson.com

    “we feel we have a much-improved agreement that would bring the team back to their historical home”
    Report

Health & human services

  • Authored the District's Universal Paid Leave law.In office

    Listed among the laws he authored in his official Council biography.

    Chairman Phil Mendelson

    Government record · Council of the District of Columbia · dccouncil.gov

    “marriage equality, Universal Paid Leave, and the District's tree canopy protection law”
    Report

Government & transparency

  • Pledges to fight to preserve DC home rule.

    His campaign says Donald Trump "is looking for any excuse to overturn 50 years of DC home rule."

    Phil Mendelson for Chairman (campaign website)

    Campaign website · Mendelson for Chairman 2026 · mendelson2026.com

    “You have my promise that I will fight to keep DC's local democracy every day, until Donald Trump is gone.”
    Report

  • Opposed Congress's 2025 cap on DC's locally funded spending.In office

    March 14, 2025 statement after the Senate passed a continuing resolution holding the District to fiscal 2024 spending levels; he backed Sen. Susan Collins's standalone bill to fix it.

    Mendelson Statement on Continuing Resolution's Effect on the District

    Public statement · Office of Council Chairman Phil Mendelson · Mar 14, 2025 · chairmanmendelson.com

    “District spending comes from locally-generated revenues, not federal dollars. So Congress is not saving federal dollars.”
    Report

Other issues in this race

Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Phil Mendelson on them.

  • EducationNo documented position found.
  • Roads & infrastructureNo documented position found.

All sources (8)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.