The Hidden Health Veg Culture of DC’s Political Community

DC community leaders opt out of meat at higher rates than US average

Although 5% of people in the US identify as vegetarian, the number rockets up in DC when looking at candidates seeking elected office. We combed through the DC Voters For Animals questionnaires from political hopefuls in the 2020 and 2022 elections to find high rates of responses from people who intentionally do not eat meat. In the this year’s election we saw a rate that is triple that of the US average. The motivations come from a range of values, from health and food justice, affordable animal-friendly diets, and environmental sustainability. These decisions indicate a trend taking shape in the District.

We pulled out highlights from the aspiring council members in the current and past election cycle. 

2022 Candidates 

As a vegetarian transitioning into a vegan, the slaughter of animals for food is a travesty for me. I will continue to lift my voice for an animal cruelty-free society.

Jennifer Muhammad (At Large)

I was raised to believe that cruelty knows no species boundaries. If a person has the heart to be cruel to animals, he also is capable of cruelty towards people. I gave up eating meat, red meat, almost 40 years ago, and chicken almost 20 years ago. I do occasionally eat seafood products but mostly, I stick to a plant-based diet.

Bradley Thomas (At Large)

We have reached the point in our development as a society where we recognize the benefits of plant-based substitutes in our plan to become healthier… I am a pescatarian and believe it’s important to monitor our intake of harmful additives generally found in processed meats and cheeses, and that extends to our pets as well.

Rodney “Red” Grant (Mayor)

As a plant-based enthusiast it’s my personal mission to transform my life. And as an organ donor I know I could also possibly save a life. I’d love to work with this coalition to share more tips on healthy plant-based eating and lifestyles. I’m still learning new exciting meals and would love to share.

Sharece Crawford (At Large)

The issue that is most significant to me is probably force-feeding as that is one of the main reasons I became vegetarian.

Phil Thomas (Ward 3)

In my own life I eat a limited meat diet, and think there’s an opportunity to reduce meat consumption across the country and in the District.  The DC Council has legislative and oversight responsibility, but also has a megaphone they can use to advance positive community-based initiatives, including reduced meat consumption as a choice.  By highlighting ideas like a Vegetarian Week or Meatless Mondays, elected leaders can create the space to advance more holistic wellness for all.

Graham McLaughlin (At Large)

2020 Candidates 

I would support the prohibition on the sale of meat products, such as foie gras, that are produced through force-feeding at large factory farms… I grew up as a vegetarian during my childhood in India and, while I do eat meat now, I have never tried foie gras and likely never will.

Chander Jayaraman (At Large)

I have been a vegetarian since 1987, largely out of concern for the well-being of animals raised for human consumption, and also out of an understanding that eating meat consumes a lot of energy and contributes to environmental problems. More recently, I came to understand that it also is a major factor behind the climate crisis.

Ed Lazere (At Large)

We know from a global health and climate standpoint that reducing our consumption of meat will have great benefits to our world and to our climate and our children’s future. I would never tell people to give up meat, but please consider reducing your consumption. That has never been more salient at this time when, during the COVID-19 crisis, we’ve seen that several of the worst infected places are the meat production plants. In solidarity with the workers at these plants, I encourage as many of you as possible to consider going meatless for May or at least meatless on Mondays, and I’ll be right there with you with my Field Roast chipotle flavored sausages, which are delicious, especially if you saute them. You can get a nice char and they taste really good.

Kishan Putta (At Large)

On top of this list of prominent DC individuals, three of DC’s recent US Representatives are vegan or vegetarian: Oye Owolewa, Franklin Garcia, and John Capozzi. These candidates are indicative of a growing trend and the crossroads of our food systems. While the production of meat has gone up, pundits forecast that the market share for plant-based meat will increase rapidly as investments, consumer interest, and technology comes online. With a strong display of values, DC community leaders are shaping access to healthier, more sustainable diets that align with the interests of our animal friends.