The Democrats are digging a hole for themselves. They aren’t beating the allegations of being unhinged radicals.
Because an insane Democrat charged with federal bribery felonies has just won a crucial election.
Former Washington D.C. Councilmember Trayon White Sr. reclaimed his seat in a special election on Tuesday, overcoming a federal bribery charge that led to his expulsion from the D.C. Council earlier this year. Despite the legal cloud hanging over him, White emerged victorious against challengers Mike Austin, Sheila Bunn, and Salim Adofo, according to the Associated Press.
In August 2024, White was arrested on a federal bribery charge, prompting the D.C. Council to unanimously vote for his removal in February. Since he had not been convicted of a felony, he remained eligible to run in the special election. The Associated Press projected White as the winner with nearly 29.5% of the vote by Tuesday evening, with Axios noting that approximately 12% of local voters participated.
“So we sent a message loud and clear to D.C. City Council that Trayon White is here to stay,” White said during his victory speech, according to AP News. “It’s a testament, man, that if you fall down — because we’re all going to fall down — but can you get back up? Today Ward 8 stood up.”
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, White allegedly accepted $156,000 in cash payments to leverage his council position to influence employees at the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement and the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. His actions were purportedly aimed at extending contracts worth $5.2 million for two companies providing violence intervention services in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleged that White had been meeting with a confidential informant since June 2024, accepting four separate cash payments. An FBI affidavit from the D.C. Field Office included an image allegedly showing White placing a white envelope containing $15,000 in cash into his jacket pocket during one such meeting.
“Because the investigation into the alleged bribery scheme involved contracts that could soon be awarded and other potential official acts that could be taken, our Office took swift steps to address the alleged crimes we were investigating,” U.S. Attorney Graves said.
White’s past controversies also resurfaced during the campaign. In 2018, he faced criticism for antisemitic remarks after claiming in a Facebook video that Jewish bankers controlled the weather, later issuing an apology. Additionally, The Washington Post reported that White donated $500 from a community services fund to a Nation of Islam event, raising questions about his affiliations.
White has pleaded not guilty to the bribery charges, with his trial scheduled for January 2026.
Democratic Party’s Perception Problem, Viewed As Unhinged and Out of Touch
The Democratic Party is grappling with a growing perception that some of its elected officials are unhinged and disconnected from the concerns of everyday Americans. This issue has been amplified by incidents like Trayon White’s bribery scandal and re-election, which highlight a pattern of behavior that critics argue undermines the party’s credibility. Political analysts point to a series of high-profile controversies involving Democratic figures that have fueled public skepticism about the party’s ability to govern responsibly.
One prominent example is Vice President Kamala Harris, whose public appearances have drawn criticism for moments perceived as erratic or overly performative. During a 2024 campaign event, Harris’s response to a heckler—described by some as a cackle followed by an abrupt shift to policy talking points—left audiences questioning her composure under pressure. Critics argue such moments reinforce a narrative that Democratic leaders struggle to connect authentically with voters.
Similarly, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has faced scrutiny for statements and actions that opponents claim are out of step with mainstream America. Her advocacy for policies like the Green New Deal, while popular among progressive activists, has been criticized by moderates as unrealistic and divisive. A 2025 Gallup poll found that 58% of Americans view the Democratic Party as “too extreme,” with many citing the behavior of prominent figures like Ocasio-Cortez as evidence of a disconnect.
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of homelessness and crime has drawn ire from voters who feel his policies prioritize ideology over practical solutions. A 2025 report from the Public Policy Institute of California noted that 65% of state residents believe Newsom’s administration has failed to address rising crime rates effectively, further eroding trust in Democratic leadership.
The Trayon White case exemplifies this real issue. His re-election, despite facing serious bribery charges, suggests a tolerance among some Democratic voters for behavior that others view as corrupt or unhinged. Political strategist David Axelrod commented in a 2025 CNN interview that “when voters reward controversial figures, it sends a message that accountability is secondary to loyalty,” a dynamic that harms the party’s national image.
Moreover, the Democratic Party’s messaging struggles have compounded the problem. A 2024 Pew Research Center study found that only 41% of Americans believe Democrats are “in touch with the concerns of ordinary people,” down from 52% in 2020. Incidents like White’s antisemitic comments in 2018 and his ties to controversial groups have not helped, as they alienate moderate voters who value stability and ethical governance.
The party’s handling of internal dissent has also drawn criticism. For instance, Senator Bernie Sanders’ continued push for progressive policies has clashed with the Biden administration’s more centrist approach, creating a fractured image. A 2025 Politico analysis noted that this infighting “makes Democrats appear chaotic and unable to unify around a clear vision.”
