NBCI endorses Kenyan McDuffie in D.C. mayor’s race

The National Black Church Initiative says its 150,000 churches and 27.7 million members are backing Kenyan McDuffie for D.C. mayor. The endorsement spotlights McDuffie’s record on civil rights, racial equity, public safety and housing as the city heads toward the election.

Why it matters: - The National Black Church Initiative is urging District voters in its network to support Kenyan McDuffie, giving the mayoral candidate a prominent faith-based endorsement. - NBCI says its coalition includes 150,000 African American and Latino faith communities and 27.7 million members. - The endorsement adds a large organizing network to a D.C. mayoral race where turnout and coalition-building can shape the outcome.

What happened: - NBCI announced support for Kenyan McDuffie for D.C. mayor on June 11, 2026. - Rev. Anthony Evans, NBCI president, said the group’s ministers are proud to endorse McDuffie and will work to get him elected. - Evans described McDuffie as a strong Christian, a man of integrity and a fair broker for all.

The details: - McDuffie has served 13 years on the D.C. Council. - His background includes work as a civil rights attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice under the Obama administration and as a local prosecutor in Prince George’s County. - McDuffie authored the Racial Equity Achieves Results Act, which made D.C. the first jurisdiction in the nation to legally require a racial equity lens in government decision-making. - He chaired the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety and helped implement one of the country’s first large-scale police body-worn camera programs. - McDuffie wrote legislation requiring that the sale of D.C.-owned land to private developers include affordable housing. - NBCI said McDuffie has won five of his six career campaigns, including keeping a citywide D.C. Council at-large seat as an Independent.

Between the lines: - NBCI’s backing reflects an effort by faith leaders to influence District politics through a network that spans churches and community members. - The endorsement also frames McDuffie as a candidate with a record that aligns with NBCI’s stated focus on racial disparity, equity and public safety issues. - The group’s message combines electoral support with issue-based validation, which can help reinforce McDuffie’s appeal among voters who prioritize faith, justice and neighborhood safety.

What’s next: - NBCI said it will ask its members who live in the District of Columbia to support McDuffie with their vote. - The group’s ministers are expected to campaign on McDuffie’s behalf. - McDuffie’s record on housing, equity and public safety will likely remain central as the mayoral race moves forward.

The bottom line: - NBCI has turned its full church network behind Kenyan McDuffie, making the endorsement both a political boost and a signal about the issues likely to matter most in the D.C. mayor’s race.