Robert White must vacate D.C. Council seat by Tuesday
A 1970 statute bars the congressional nominee from holding another paid public office on election day, according to the attorney general.
By Nikolai Morales ·
Robert White, the Democratic nominee for Congress in D.C., faces a deadline to resign his Council seat by Tuesday. The attorney general’s office issued an opinion requiring the candidate to vacate the position to be eligible for Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton's office.
The ruling relies on a 1970 law that defines qualifications for the congressional seat. The statute states that a candidate cannot hold any other paid public office on the date of election. The attorney general’s office communicated this requirement directly to White, as first reported by City Cast DC.
White told reporters on Wednesday that his team is evaluating legal options until Monday. He stated, “We’re continuing to explore options until Monday.. I’m not going to do anything that’s gonna jeopardize my ability to serve this city in Congress.”
The candidate acknowledged unresolved legal questions but maintained a disagreement with the attorney general’s interpretation. White said he did not expect this reading and has spoken with numerous lawyers who interpret the law differently from the state’s legal office.
He added, “If we can get a clear enough read by then and there are options, we’ll take those options. If not, I will have to resign.”
White said he became aware of the specific qualification requirement around the time he filed to run for Congress.
Source: NBC4 Washington
