Upstart Dumps Scandal-Weary DC Mayor in Primary

Scandal-plagued DC Mayor Vincent Gray is out of the running for a second term after losing the Democratic primary to a local lawmaker. Muriel Bowser, a DC councilmember, heads to the general election after securing the nomination amid paltry turnout, the Washington Post reports. With supporters from a range of demographics, Bowser was ahead 44% to 33% when Gray conceded. The Post sees a likely—but not guaranteed—win for Bowser in the general election.

Meanwhile, Gray will finish out his term as federal officials investigate questions over his 2010 campaign. He faces allegations that DC's top contractor secretly spent $650,000 on his behalf; he's also been accused of paying an ex-rival to criticize former mayor Adrian Fenty. Bowser's campaign focused on concerns about Gray's behavior. She called her victory "an affirmation that the status quo is not good enough for us," saying she offered "a fresh start," the New York Times reports. (More Vincent Gray stories.)