Brianne represents us.

Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau Announces she will not run for a Fourth Term

September 25, 2025

Washington, DC –  It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Ward 1 and the District for the past 11 years as Councilmember, and before that as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner. Together, in the most vibrant and diverse Ward in DC, we have built affordable housing, ended homelessness for thousands of residents, expanded childcare, improved our schools, built new parks, supported our youth and seniors, fought for our immigrant neighbors, addressed public safety comprehensively, and made investments in every neighborhood in Ward 1. And while there is still so much more to do, I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. 

I have made the very difficult decision not to seek a fourth term as Councilmember. I have always believed that these positions should not be lifetime appointments. That those in leadership should cultivate others to carry on the work. It’s not easy to step away, especially at such a difficult time for our community and our country. But I do believe that it is the right time for me, for my family, and for Ward 1. 

This will be the first time in 43 years that Ward 1 has had an open seat, and we should expect there will be an exceptionally crowded field of candidates. I am proud to have worked so hard to fund Ranked Choice Voting in the fiscal year 2026 budget so that voters in Ward 1 will be able to rank the candidates based on their own preferences, ensuring the candidate with the strongest support across our community represents us.

In the coming weeks I will announce my support for a candidate who is a proud progressive Democrat with a proven track record in local government, who has worked with Councilmembers and the Mayor to get things done, and is deeply rooted in the community. She knows what it’s like to struggle in a low wage job, has fought for affordable housing in our community, and has spent her career focused on early childhood education. I hope you’ll rank her as your top choice too. 

I’m grateful to so many of you who knew I was considering this tough choice and offered me gratitude and encouragement. And I’m grateful to all those who came before me, and whose shoulders I stood on as I did this important work. 

I have deep confidence that the people of Ward 1 will continue, as we always have, to fight for justice, support our neighbors, and stand up for our Ward 1 values. I look forward to serving the remainder of my term through 2026 in partnership with all of you. Now, let’s get back to work! 

“Ward 1 is my home and where I’m raising my family. That’s why I know firsthand that the challenges facing Ward 1 and the District are complex issues requiring thoughtful and comprehensive solutions. That is my passion and my commitment.”

Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau

About Brianne

Brianne is a leader who fights and gets results for us. She follows through on legislation, conducts detailed oversight, and strategically works with agencies to ensure her work is implemented successfully. In a time where D.C.’s home rule is under increasing attack, Brianne’s daily work supporting and protecting our city’s autonomy, beloved institutions, and crucial social programs, has never been more important to our community.

As a mom raising her kids in Park View, Brianne understands very personally the importance of living in a safe community. Whether it’s walking to the park, going to school, or enjoying neighborhood businesses and community amenities, safety for all is one of her top priorities.

Councilmember Brianne Nadeau

Brianne has delivered on the issues that matter to Ward 1 residents:

  • Has taken a comprehensive approach to addressing public safety, with legislation and oversight focused on prevention, policing, and prosecution

  • Introduced legislation that would recruit more police from the District, help detectives solve more murders, and properly staff our 911 call center.

  • Put thousands of units of affordable housing into the pipeline in Ward 1

  • Increased food access and cash assistance for vulnerable DC residents

  • Increased funding for emergency rental assistance

  • Oversaw repairs and renovations of Ward 1 schools such as Bancroft, Marie Reed, Bruce Monroe, Tubman, Adams, Columbia Heights Education Campus and Cardozo Education Campus, and established a new middle school

  • Funded $27 million in new park projects and new equipment all across Ward 1 including the Park at LeDroit, Bruce Monroe, Ann Hughes Hargrove Park, Unity, Peirce Mill, Kalorama, Amigos and Acorn Parks

  • Introduced legislation that is now law that takes a comprehensive approach to traffic safety and gets dangerous drivers off the road

  • Funded overnight bus services, including five routes in Ward 1, and supported enhanced bus infrastructure

  • Supported pro-jobs policies that helped increase the number of Ward 1 residents with jobs by 3,600 over her tenure

  • Funded housing for thousands of households experiencing homelessness

  • Established Out-of-School Time, an afterschool and summer grant program, funded at more than $20 million annually

  • Increased wages for early childhood workers and DCPS teachers, and expanded home visiting programs

  • Supported and expanded paid family leave 

  • Advanced residential lead pipe removal program

  • Established street outreach team for those experiencing homelessness

  • Extended voting rights and healthcare benefits to undocumented residents

  • Added nine miles of bus lanes and eight miles of bike lanes, including new protected bike lanes on Warder, Kenyon, and Columbia Road

  • Funded more positions and capacity for booting and towing, with a focus on the most egregious offenders

  • Established program to install public restrooms to better serve our community, at Columbia Heights Civic Plaza and in five other locations around the District