Charles Allen Declares Victory in Ward 6 Council Race

(Updated at 8:55 a.m. Wednesday) Democrat Charles Allen has declared victory in the race to represent Capitol Hill in City Council.

He told supporters at his results viewing party at the 8th Street SE bar Molly Malone’s that he was honored to replace Ward 6 City Councilman Tommy Wells, for whom he was chief of staff.

“I am humbled and challenged to step into this job,” he said to cheers on the bar’s packed second floor.

A final count of all precincts showed a landslide win for Allen. He commanded 81 percent of votes, Board of Elections data shows.

Libertarian candidate Pranav Badhwar won 10 percent of votes.

Allen said he would defend the city against Congress.

“We have some incredibly hostile neighbors down on Pennsylvania Avenue,” he said. “We’re going to have to do a lot of work … But we’re not going to let some congressman from Texas determine what we do in D.C.”

Allen ran on promises to reform city schools, create affordable housing and increase government accountability.

In other Ward 6 results, Joe Weedon was elected D.C. State Board of Education member for Ward 6. He won 45.5 percent of votes. Mark Naydan received 26 percent.