rights
Aparna Raj expected to become second LGBTQ member of D.C. Council
By Lou Chibbaro Jr. at Washington Blade
· July 14, 2026
· 13 min read
Ward 1 D.C. Council candidate Aparna Raj, who describes herself on her campaign website as a “renter, union member and queer woman of color,” emerged as the winner in the city’s June 16 Democratic primary. She won in a five-candidate race with 52 percent of the vote in the fourth round of the vote c
Key takeaway Council candidate Aparna Raj, who describes herself on her campaign website as a “renter, union member and queer woman of color,” emerged as the winner in the city’s June 16 Democratic primary.
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Category: rights ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: Washington Blade ·
Reading time: 13 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Ward 1 D.C. Council candidate Aparna Raj, who describes herself on her campaign website as a “renter, union member and queer woman of color,” emerged as the winner in the city’s June 16 Democratic primary. She won in a five-candidate race with 52 percent of the vote in the fourth round of the vote c
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by Washington Blade and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lou Chibbaro Jr. at Washington Blade. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .