2024 DC Council Candidates Answer Your Questions

AARP DC is working to ensure voters are prepared to vote and informed of where the candidates for DC Council stand on issues of importance.

Using AARP research and survey data, AARP DC created a questionnaire for all candidates listed on the ballot to share their vision for the issues that matter most to older District residents, their families, their caregivers, and their providers.

See the questions below. Click through to view the candidate’s responses and use that information to inform your vote on, or before, November 5th!

Note: Candidate's responses were limited to 500 characters per answer.

Click here to find up to date information on how, when and where to cast your ballot.

Question 1- Transportation
Transportation safety for people of all ages, particularly older adults, is an increasing concern in the District. According to AARP Research, 88% of District residents 45-plus said that “getting to the places you need to go independently” is important to them. There were 52 traffic fatalities in 2023, setting a 16-year high. Unfortunately, in 2024 the number of fatalities has already risen to 10 in the first 3 months.
Q: What are your plans to make the District a more livable community for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, alike?

Question 2- Housing
In 2022, 85% of District residents 45-plus said that “staying in your own home as you get older” was of importance to them.
Q: What policies do you support to protect older District residents and their ability to safely age in a place of their choosing?

Question 3- Accessing nutritious food
Q: What is your plan to increase access to stable, affordable, healthy food options, especially in “food deserts” located in Wards 7 and 8?

Question 4- Health disparities
According to AARP research and survey data, there is a 15-year gap in life expectancy between those living in Ward 3 (86 years old) and Ward 8 (71 years old), and residents 40-plus living east of the river are about four times as likely to face barriers to accessing health care services in their community.
Q:What policies would you put forth to reduce disparities among racial and ethnic groups in accessing affordable, high-quality healthcare?

Read the candidates responses in the sections listed below