Expelled DC councilmember teases run for old seat despite federal bribery charge

An expelled D.C. councilmember is teasing a re-election campaign for his old seat as he faces a federal bribery charge. 

Trayon White, the former Ward 8 councilmember accused last year by federal authorities of agreeing to accept $156,000 in bribes, wrote on Instagram “ReElection campaign starts tomorrow.” 

The D.C. Council voted unanimously to remove White from his position less than two months ago. However, despite being expelled, White remains eligible to run in a special election that will now be held for his vacant seat, according to WUSA 9. 

White did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. 

D.C. Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White speaks at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Asberry, the first on-site building constructed at Barry FarmHillsdale in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 21, 2024.  (Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

“Trust is precious, trust is critical for an elected government, and we must act,” Council Chairman Phil Mendelson added.  

The Justice Department, citing a criminal complaint charging White with bribery, alleged that “beginning in June 2024, White corruptly agreed to accept $156,000 in cash payments in exchange for using his position as a D.C. Councilmember to pressure government employees at [the] Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement and [the] D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services to extend several D.C. contracts.”    

D.C. Councilmember Trayon White departs the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse on Sept. 12, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Michael A. McCoy for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

White, who has pleaded not guilty to those allegations, reportedly faces up to 15 years in prison if he is convicted. A jury trial in the case is set for January 2026. 

Fox News’ Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.