Second Gay Candidate Enters Race for Ward 1 D.C. Council Seat

Community Leader and Advocate Miguel Trindade Deramo Joins the Race

On November 18, Miguel Trindade Deramo, a well-known Gay Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, officially announced his candidacy for the Ward 1 D.C. Council seat. This announcement marks the entry of another prominent LGBTQ+ figure into a competitive race, as incumbent Councilmember Brianne Nadeau steps down.

Deramo, aged 39, is the sixth candidate to declare his intention to run in the Democratic primary scheduled for June 16, 2026. Among his competitors is Brian Footer, another openly gay Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner who announced his campaign in July. The race promises to be a historic one, with two gay candidates vying for the seat.

Background and Qualifications

Miguel Trindade Deramo currently serves as the chairman of ANC 1B, representing neighborhoods such as lower Columbia Heights, Cardozo, LeDroit Park, North Shaw, Meridian Hill, the U Street Corridor, and lower Georgia Avenue. These areas are vibrant and culturally diverse, with the U Street Corridor being a hub for nightlife and community gatherings, including several LGBTQ+ establishments.

In his candidacy announcement, Deramo emphasized his commitment to turning progressive policy into tangible action. "I’m running for D.C. Council because I believe this community deserves a leader who will roll up their sleeves and turn progressive policy into action," he stated. "Together, we can unlock Ward 1’s full potential by tackling affordability, reimagining public safety, and addressing local neighborhood concerns."

Personal Journey and Activism

Born in Michigan to a Brazilian immigrant mother, Deramo's journey to the nation's capital began in 2012 when he arrived to train as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer at the State Department. He made Washington, D.C. his permanent home in 2016, residing at 14th and Chapin Street with his partner, Luis.

Deramo's academic background includes a degree in international relations and political science from Northwestern University, where he was actively involved in LGBTQ+ activism and established himself as a student leader. Following his graduation, he served as a Foreign Service Officer with a tour in São Paulo, and later pursued a graduate degree in Islamic studies at McGill University in Montreal. His career continued at the Department of Homeland Security as an intelligence analyst.

However, Deramo's path took a turn following pivotal events, including the erosion of democratic norms under the Trump administration, the Black Lives Matter movement's militarized response, and the January 6 insurrection. These events inspired him to leave the federal government and join the pro-democracy movement.

Advocacy for Electoral Reform

Trindade Deramo became an active participant in electoral reform organizations and was one of the lead organizers of the D.C. Initiative 83 campaign. This initiative led to the approval of a ranked choice voting system and open primary elections in D.C. by an overwhelming majority of voters.

The upcoming Democratic primary will be the first test of D.C.'s new ranked choice voting system, allowing voters the option to rank candidates by preference. LGBTQ+ voters and the broader community will have the opportunity to consider Deramo and Footer as their top choices.

Community Engagement and Vision

When questioned about his message to LGBTQ+ voters, Deramo highlighted his dedication to inclusivity and community representation. "A huge mission of mine is to make that space for everyone," he said, referring to areas like U Street where diverse groups gather for theater, dining, and nightlife. "And that includes LGBTQ+ people."

While Brian Footer, Deramo's fellow candidate and competitor, has yet to comment, the race is expected to attract significant attention as two gay candidates bring their unique perspectives and leadership styles to the forefront of Washington, D.C.'s political landscape.

As the campaign unfolds, voters in Ward 1 will have the chance to evaluate each candidate's vision and contributions, shaping the future of their community through active engagement and participation in the democratic process.

For more information, voters are encouraged to visit the candidates’ respective campaign websites.