Brian Schwalb wins Democratic nomination for D.C. attorney general

Brian Schwalb prevailed in a three-man Democratic major race for D.C. legal professional common on Tuesday.

Why it issues: Schwalb is on monitor to succeed Karl Racine, who served two phrases as town’s first elected legal professional common and constructed out a 600-person regulation workplace that took on Donald Trump, Large Tech and different high-profile targets, and elevated D.C.’s profile nationally.

• Schwalb had obtained 45% of the vote reported as of 9:40pm, in line with the D.C. Board of Elections, whereas Bruce Spiva stood at practically 36%. Ryan Jones had obtained near 18%.
• Racine had endorsed Schwalb and campaigned with him on Election Day.

What they’re saying: “Now, we are going to step ahead to do the work that must be completed. As a result of persons are relying on us,” Schwalb mentioned in a tweet. Within the deeply blue metropolis, the Democratic nomination is tantamount to victory.

Schwalb was most lately a associate at Venable, Racine’s former agency.

Flashback: The AG’s race took a flip after Spiva succeeded in booting Ward 5 Council member Kenyan McDuffie off the poll in April, opening up the sphere for the three lesser recognized attorneys.

With little between Spiva and Schwalb — two former companions at D.C. companies and graduates of the identical Harvard regulation class — many citizens and organizations had been not sure who to again.

What’s subsequent: Schwalb informed Axios on the marketing campaign path that he’ll prioritize pursuing individuals who goal householders. He cited predatory and discriminatory lending practices as a prime barrier for Black and brown Washingtonians to constructing intergenerational wealth.

• At occasions, Racine and Mayor Muriel Bowser had a heated relationship. Shortly after taking workplace, the 2 had been at odds over the facility and funds of the legal professional common’s workplace, which Racine noticed as co-equal to the mayor and D.C. Council. Extra lately, Racine declared he wouldn’t symbolize the D.C. jail in a lawsuit over its situations.
• Schwalb additionally has mentioned that he’ll proceed to strengthen the independence of the AG’s workplace.