She is running for DC Council in Ward 1 because she believes everyone — from Adams Morgan to Park View, from Spring Road to U Street — can and should have what they need to survive and thrive.
Aparna is a renter, a queer woman of color, and a democratic socialist fighting for a better world.
She is running for office because she believes in a DC, and a Ward 1, where everyone can build the life they deserve — whether you’re a DC native with deep roots in the district, or someone who newly calls Ward 1 home. Together, we can make this a reality.
Aparna is unwavering in her commitment to fighting for stable housing, good public schools, union jobs, and strong public transit. Because working people bring life to DC. We make DC home. Our Council should fight for us.
As a tenant organizer and a renter, Aparna knows firsthand that the cost of living crisis is driving working families and seniors out of DC. Expanding DC's rent control law will keep unpredictable and exorbitant hikes from big landlords in check. We all deserve a safe, dignified home.
Childcare provides the foundation for every family’s life, but is out of reach for too many. DC is the state with the most expensive childcare, with many families paying up to $23,000 per year. Aparna will fight to expand childcare subsidies, the Pay Equity Fund, and childcare navigators to move towards universal, free childcare.
Trump, Congressional Republicans, and billionaires are waging an all out assault on DC. Aparna will fight to support federal workers, protect immigrants and queer & trans communities, and defend DC autonomy under threat from right-wing authoritarian attacks on our home.
Ward 1 includes Columbia Heights, Park View, Adams Morgan, Mount Pleasant, Shaw, U Street, Kalorama, Howard, and LeDroit Park.
See if you’re registered to vote in Ward 1We can build a DC that works for everyday people — tenants, workers, and families — but we need your help to do it.
Join us at an upcoming canvass to talk to voters. Host your neighbors at a house party to get to know Aparna. Become a block captain and talk to your friends about supporting the campaign.
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730DC • August 11, 2025
"In announcing her platform, Raj is highlighting the high cost of housing, expanding free childcare and — apropos of *gestures at everything* — standing up for DC’s self-government. Refreshingly, she connects public safety with the need to invest in shared resources. It’s a compelling package that should enliven and enrich the election citywide."
The Washington Blade • December 8, 2025
"When the LGBTQ community is so under attack right now and when queer and trans folks are facing homelessness, are making less money on the job than their cis counterparts – when folks are scared about whether they will be able to continue healthcare or be able to hold on to their job through this period, having someone that takes on their landlord, that will stand on picket lines with workers and will certainly fight the Trump administration – all that is an LGBTQ justice issue," [Raj] told the Blade.
"Raj began volunteering to organize tenants and helping them fight abusive and neglectful landlords. Through that work she realized something else too. 'Right now, there are only two renters on the [D.C.] Council, and so few of them understand the experiences that renters face and the instability that renters face.'"
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