Brandon Todd (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brandon Todd
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| Member of the Council of the District of Columbia from the 4th ward |
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| In office May 14, 2015 – January 2, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Muriel Bowser |
| Succeeded by | Janeese Lewis George |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 26, 1983 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (since 2007) Republican (until 2007) |
| Education | Bowie State University (BA) Trinity Washington University (MBA) |
Brandon Tristan Todd (born May 26, 1983) is an American politician. He used to represent Ward 4 on the Council of the District of Columbia. The Council helps run Washington, D.C. He also worked as a lobbyist for Washington Gas. Before joining the Council, he worked for Muriel Bowser. She later became the Mayor of the District of Columbia. Brandon Todd won a special election in 2015. He took over from Muriel Bowser. He served one full term. In 2020, he lost the primary election to Janeese Lewis George.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Brandon Todd was born on May 26, 1983. He grew up in Washington, D.C. He went to Eastern High School. He earned a degree in communications from Bowie State University. Later, he got a Master's degree in Business Administration from Trinity Washington University.
Career in Politics
Todd joined the Democratic Party in October 2007. Before that, he had voted in several elections as a member of the Republican Party.
In 2012, Todd helped manage Muriel Bowser's campaign. She was running to be re-elected as the Ward 4 Councilmember. He also worked as her director of constituent services. This meant he helped people in her district. In the same year, Todd was chosen as a delegate. He represented parts of Washington, D.C., at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. This is a big meeting for the Democratic Party.
In March 2013, Todd helped organize a job fair. It was for people skilled in construction work. This event took place in Fort Totten Square.
On June 5, 2013, Todd was elected to lead the Ward 4 Democrats. He started a new website and Twitter account for the group. In 2014, he was the Finance Director for Bowser's campaign. She was running for mayor.
Becoming a Councilmember
2014 Special Election
On December 4, 2014, Todd announced he would run for Councilmember. The Ward 4 position became open when Muriel Bowser became mayor. Within three days, Todd raised $50,000 for his campaign. He had much more money than his closest opponents. Todd accepted donations from companies. This helped him raise more money.
Todd often talked about his close relationship with the mayor. He said he was the only candidate who could easily talk to her. He claimed he could discuss the ward's needs directly with her. Todd won the election with 42% of the votes.
2016 General Election
On June 14, 2016, Todd won the Democratic primary election for Ward 4. He received 49% of the votes. He was supported by several groups. These included the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club and Democrats for Education Reform. The Washington Post newspaper also supported him. Todd won re-election for a full four-year term. This happened in the general election on November 8, 2016. He received 35,100 votes.
2020 Primary Election
Todd lost the June 2020 primary election. He was defeated by Janeese Lewis George. She is a progressive activist. She used to be an Assistant Attorney General for D.C. Janeese Lewis George won with 7,926 votes. Todd received 6,386 votes.
Work on the Council of the District of Columbia
First Term
During his campaign, Todd said he did not want a private company to run D.C.'s prisons. But after he was elected, he said the Council should not be involved in that decision.
Todd also talked about "pop-ups" during his campaign. These are housing extensions built above original building heights. He was one of the few candidates who did not oppose them. After winning office, he said he wanted to find a balance. He wanted new housing units but also considered neighbors' concerns.
In 2016, Todd supported Mayor Bowser's plan. This plan was to open a homeless shelter in Ward 4. He hoped it would help the area's economy.
In April 2017, an investigation looked into Todd's 2015 campaign finances. As a result, Todd was fined $5,100. He paid the fine in full. The investigation found he could not explain over $100,000 in donations. He also failed to report $34,000 in donations.
In November 2017, Todd supported a law. This law aimed to boost economic growth. It focused on the Kennedy Street Corridor.
Second Term
Todd began his full four-year term on the Council on January 2, 2017.
On January 20, 2017, Todd joined other Councilmembers and Mayor Muriel Bowser. They attended the parade for the inauguration of Donald Trump. Todd said it was important to get to know the new administration. He also wanted them to get to know the District.
Todd supported updating West Elementary School. This was part of the Fiscal Year 2018 budget talks.
On September 19, 2017, Todd introduced a bill. It was called the "Universal Free Lunch for All Amendment Act of 2017." This bill aimed to provide free lunch for all students. This included public schools, charter schools, and some private schools in D.C.
On October 3, 2017, Todd helped pass a bill. It was called the "Standard of Care for Animals Amendment Act of 2017." This law helps protect the health and safety of animals in D.C.
On December 4, 2017, Todd introduced a bill. It aimed to protect children from identity theft. It would also remove fees for credit freezes for all D.C. residents. This bill was developed with the Attorney General of the District of Columbia.
On December 5, 2017, Todd helped pass his bill. It was the "Office on African American Affairs Establishment Act of 2017." This law created an office. It helps develop programs for African American advancement in D.C.
Todd also introduced a bill to create an Office of Nightlife. This office would connect the government, community, and businesses. It would help ensure everyone benefits from the city's entertainment spots. The bill was supported by both businesses and community leaders.
Todd worked to address concerns from Ward 4 residents. Many reported that Metro trains were vibrating their homes. He sent letters to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. He asked for more information and faster progress.
Todd supported changes to campaign finance. He voted for the "Fair Elections Act of 2017."
In 2018, Todd was the only Councilmember who opposed giving subpoena power. This power would allow an investigation into Veritas. Veritas was a company managing the United Medical Center. Concerns about patient safety and mismanagement led to the inquiry.
Todd was one of the Council members who reversed a minimum wage increase. This increase was for tipped workers. Voters had approved it in 2018. But the Council repealed it before it started. This issue became important in his 2020 election loss.
After the Council
After losing his re-election in 2020, Todd took a new job. He became the director of corporate public policy for Washington Gas. In this role, he works on the company's public relations. He also talks to lawmakers on behalf of Washington Gas.
Personal Life
Brandon Todd lives in the Petworth neighborhood of Ward 4. He attends St. Mary's Episcopal Church.
Images for kids
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Brandon Todd at his inauguration.
