What: A declaration resolution (PR-26826), emergency Bill 26-863 and a temporary companion bill clarify when a person counts as mayor-elect for transition committee and official correspondence rules, using the definition already in the Budget Support Act (certified winner, or the announced unofficial winner by a margin of at least 2%).
Where it stands: The declaration and the emergency bill passed unanimously on October 20, 2026, with Councilmember Lewis-George recused as the Democratic nominee for mayor; the temporary bill was also approved unanimously.
Next: The temporary legislation follows its normal course; a member urged the next Council to make the language permanent.
Chair Mendelson called the language an abundance of caution because the intent of the Budget Support Act was clear. The declaration, emergency Bill 26-863 and the temporary bill each passed by voice vote with no opposition; Lewis-George recused and was absent from the room. A member urged making the rules permanent.