Democratic operatives have initiated a campaign to recall Washington, D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen due to concerns over his criminal justice reform policies amidst rising crime rates in the city.
The campaign has raised over $56,000 and gained support from various Democratic figures.
“Crime has become a real issue in the District with lasting consequences,” resident Jennifer Squires said. “As a mother whose children used to walk to school daily across Capitol Hill, it’s really frightening.”
Allen defended his efforts to combat crime by recruiting more police officers and passing anti-gun laws.
Supporters of the recall argue that Allen’s policies have contributed to the worsening crime situation in the city.
“A growing group of us watched as our Councilman, someone I voted for, systematically did the exact opposite things he should be doing to keep us safe,” Squires said.
The recall effort has attracted both Democratic and Republican support, with critics and supporters debating Allen’s impact on public safety and community development.
“This recall effort is misleading and misinformed,” Allen said. “I’ve worked to hold criminals accountable with strong laws and bring a whole of government approach to reducing crime long-term.”
Democrats supporting the recall effort include former House aide and TikTok lobbyist Michael Hacker, fundraiser Tonya Fulkerson and the chief of staff for Rep. Dan Kildee, Mitchell Rivard, Bloomberg reported. Around 100 people attended the first volunteer event on Thursday and at least a dozen hands raised after recall organizers asked who had been carjacked, the campaign wrote on X.
“I did national politics, not local politics,” Democrat lobbyist Moses Mercado said. “But I realized — I had a conversation with my wife about what if something happens, God forbid, somebody carjacks her?”
Allen supporters have criticized the effort, including former councilmember and longtime D.C. , who filed for an anti-recall committee and fundraising effort in support of Allen on Thursday, Axios reported. Wells argued that Allen has widespread support after three consecutive election victories and criticized the recall effort for also attracting significant Republican support.
“The voters of Ward 6 overwhelmingly reelected, Charles Allen, one year ago,” resident Tommy Wells said. “The people who launched this recall are upset about actions that Allen took long before his reelection, and now they are diverting his time and energy from doing his job, including fighting crime. They should be working with him and his team instead of devoting time and money to overturning the will of the voters.”
“The recall effort is playing into the hands of right wing Republicans, who claim that Democrats are mismanaging US cities, and that DC in particular does not deserve home rule,” Wells said. “These are the same Republicans who prevent sensible gun controls that would go far in reducing violent crime in a city awash in guns.”
It’s “not about politics,” Squires said.
“This is basically a campaign about ideas and trying to convince this man he’s got the wrong ideas,” she said. “I don’t care if you’re Republican, I don’t care who you are — especially if you live in Ward 6. That’s his constituency.”
Allen’s decisions “to open the jail doors for violent offenders while slashing the police department budget is having real consequences,” Squires said. “We are now seeing the results of his failed leadership and misguided policies.”
“They’ve moved to a fabulous place, and they’re upset and angry, and that’s understandable,” Wells said. “Their focus is on Charles. But they also have to remember: Why did they move there to begin with? This is a great place that Charles helped create.”
The recall organizers have 180 days to collect around 6,000 signatures for a recall election.
Most Popular:
FBI Informant Who Criticized Biden Gets Bad News
Drag Queen Principal Learns His Fate Amid Controversy
