January 12, 2026 •
DC Council Prepares To Replace Councilmember
On January 7, Kenyan McDuffie resigned from his seat with the Council of the District of Columbia. McDuffie, an independent with an at-large seat who served more than 13 years on the D.C. Council, resigned in order to consider running […]
On January 7, Kenyan McDuffie resigned from his seat with the Council of the District of Columbia. McDuffie, an independent with an at-large seat who served more than 13 years on the D.C. Council, resigned in order to consider running for mayor. According to the District’s Home Rule Act, when a councilmember with no party affiliation leaves office, the council must make an appointment until the vacancy can be filled in a special election. DC Council Chairperson Phil Mendelson is expected to select a nominee within the next few weeks. The full council will then vote on the nomination, with at least seven votes required for confirmation. A special election must be held no later than 174 days after a vacancy.
Are you able to track all legislative sessions in the states you do business? Our online guidebooks make it easy. Request a demo today!
On July 14, legislation was introduced in the Council of the District of Columbia addressing campaign finance rules, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in campaign finance advertising. Bill B26-0329, the Campaign Finance Modernization Amendment Act of 2025, would require […]
On July 14, legislation was introduced in the Council of the District of Columbia addressing campaign finance rules, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in campaign finance advertising.
Bill B26-0329, the Campaign Finance Modernization Amendment Act of 2025, would require a disclaimer on an advertisement containing an image, audio, or video that has been manipulated or altered by AI, and would prohibit the distribution of a deepfake within 90 days of an election.
The bill also enacts legislation requiring additional reporting from committees not currently required to submit more than two reports a year and prohibits the Office of Campaign Finance from accepting a report that omits certain legally required information. Other changes in the legislation include amending the definition of “coordinate” or “coordination” to capture conduct from other political committees, political action committees, and independent expenditure committees that are not affiliated with a public official; providing the Office of Campaign Finance a specified timeline to conduct an investigation on a complaint; and establishing an advisory group consisting of current and former campaign treasurers, campaign finance experts, and donation platforms to meet at least four times a year to consult on potential process improvements for the campaign finance system and the Fair Elections Program.
It would also prohibit a candidate who was expelled from the council from being certified under the Fair Elections Program.
Invite them out for coffee or a steak? Make sure you know the gift restrictions of your state or municipality. Request a demo of our online guidebooks today.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.
