Overview
- The D.C. Council approved funding for semi-open primaries Tuesday as part of its fiscal 2027 budget, allocating about $1.1 million over four years to prepare for the 2028 cycle.
- About 85,000 registered independents, roughly 20% of the electorate, will be able to choose a Democratic or Republican primary ballot starting in 2028, giving them a say in contests that often decide winners in the city.
- Council leaders restored roughly $400 million in program cuts by tapping $150 million from local reserve funds, a move that Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee warned could make the budget unbalanced and raise long-term fiscal risks.
- The vote was not unanimous: Chair Phil Mendelson opposed opening primaries on the grounds that parties should control nominations, and coverage highlights both advocacy praise and fiscal concern among reporters and officials.
- Next steps include possible final approval steps before the mayor and congressional review under the Home Rule framework, which could elevate the dispute if the CFO withholds certification or if Congress takes up the budget.