By Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com
Sheila Bunn, a lifelong Ward 8 resident and seasoned public servant, is campaigning for the Ward 8 D.C. Council seat in the upcoming July 15 special election. She brings with her more than 30 years of government experience and a personal connection to the community she hopes to serve.
Credit: Courtesy photo/ Kevin Cofer, Giveback Photography
“I’ve lived the same challenges that my neighbors face each and every day,” Bunn said. “I’m living in a community that has been deemed under-resourced, a community that lacks equitable food access, a community that is oftentimes overlooked. So I am very clear on what the challenges are in my community—because it’s home.”
She enters a competitive field of candidates also hoping to lead Ward 8 through a pivotal moment. Other Democratic candidates include Salim Adofo, Mike Austin, Khadijah Clark and Eric T. Cleckley. On the Republican side there is Doc Adams, Kenneth Diggs and Delonte Ford Singh is running as a Republican write-in. This candidate list represents a range of experienced public servants with community leadership.
Bunn, who has worked alongside prominent D.C. leaders such as Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and former Mayor Vincent C. Gray, emphasized that her understanding of the ward’s issues comes from lived experience.
“Working for Congresswoman Norton and Mayor Gray taught me what real public service looks like — delivering results through legislation that impacts not just a ward, but the entire city,” said Bunn.
Ward 8, which has long grappled with high poverty rates, food insecurity and public safety challenges, remains one of the most underserved areas in the District. Bunn said addressing those needs starts with listening to residents across the ward’s diverse neighborhoods.
“Ward 8 is made up of longtime residents, newcomers, parents, returning citizens and professionals,” Bunn said. “I want to make sure I’m connecting with every part of the ward and building solutions that serve the entire community.”
A former deputy chief of staff and chief of staff in both the mayor’s office and the D.C. Council, Bunn helped advance key policies such as DC Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG), which provides in-state tuition for D.C. students at public colleges across the country, and Birth-to-Three legislation that supports early childhood development and wages for childcare workers.
Bunn said her commitment to advocacy was first shaped by her father, the late James Bunn, a community advocate who championed small business development and equity in Ward 8.
“Seeing how he made sure that his neighbors and small businesses were at the table when it came to development in our community—that was my first example of what public service means,” Bunn said.
Food access and public safety are two of her top policy priorities. Ward 8 currently has only one major grocery store serving a large portion of the community.
“If that fails, the question becomes, how do we make sure that my neighbors have access to fresh and healthy foods?” said Bunn. “We have to incentivize grocers and restaurants to come to our community—and to see the beauty of Ward 8.”
If elected, Bunn said she plans to maintain strong communication with residents, holding regular office hours and community meetings across the ward to stay connected and accountable.
“I plan to continue campaigning even while in office,” Bunn said. “By that, I mean building relationships and seeking advice from my neighbors—so that I’m always focused on the residents.”
For Bunn, the decision to run is both professional and personal.
“I am a single mother of a 15-year-old high school student, and I want her to know that it takes one person to make change in a community,” Bunn said. “I truly believe that I am best suited on day one to deliver results for Ward 8—and I’m ready.”