Kenyan McDuffie endorses Faith Gibson Hubbard in D.C. Council race

Ward 5 D.C. Council hopeful Faith Gibson Hubbard won the endorsement of incumbent Kenyan McDuffie on Wednesday.

Why it matters: McDuffie lends his support and name recognition to Hubbard at a pivotal time, as jockeying for endorsements and fundraising in Ward 5 has narrowed between her and Zachary Parker, who has consolidated support among progressives.

• The second-fastest growing ward, Ward 5 is a microcosm of the District, home to quiet neighborhoods of single-family homes and growing commercial corridors, with debates over inequality and gun violence.

Two other key names in the running are former council member Vincent Orange and North Michigan Park neighborhood commissioner Gordon Fletcher, who has support from Jeannette Mobley, a well known civic leader.

• Hubbard is a former high-level D.C. government official.

What they're saying: McDuffie said he decided to endorse Hubbard after concluding she was "really the only person who can build upon the progress and bring people together."

• He endorsed her at Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard on Rhode Island Avenue in Northeast, surrounded by about four-dozen supporters, including former council members David Grosso and Harry Thomas Jr.

To differentiate herself from other hopefuls, Hubbard said: "They keep talking about what they were elected to do. I have talked about the work I have done truly because it is a passion for me."

• The mother of two cited her maternal health advocacy, support for small businesses and longtime work in D.C. government, including leading the mayor's community affairs office.
• McDuffie declined to run for another term in Ward 5 to seek the attorney general's seat. But he was booted out of the AG's race after a ruling that he did not qualify for the position.