Robert White to Resign D.C. Council Seat Before Delegate Election

At-Large D.C. Councilmember Robert White will resign Monday, Nov. 2, so he is eligible to serve as the District’s delegate if he wins Tuesday’s election to succeed retiring Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, WTOP and FOX 5 DC reported, both citing White’s campaign.

The District of Columbia Delegate Act of 1970 bars a delegate from holding another paid public office “on the date of his election.” D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb told White the law requires him to resign before Election Day. White disagrees, saying the statute does not say “Election Day” and noting that results are not certified until later; WTOP said certification is tentatively set for Dec. 2. He said he would resign unless a clear legal solution emerged.

White has served on the council for ten years, FOX 5 reported, and said leaving would interrupt his work on the council’s Committee on Housing. If elected, he said he would work to clarify the provision. The D.C. Democratic Party said it is preparing to fill the vacancy: its central committee appoints an interim member to serve until a special election.