Catania announces re-election bid for at-large Council seat

D.C. Council member David A. Catania (I-At Large), as expected, filed Friday to run for a fourth term in this year's council election.

As an independent, Catania will be competing in the general election for the council seat reserved for a person not of the majority party. The most prominent candidate vying against Catania is Rev. Anthony Motley, a close ally of D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8).

Motley, a former Democrat, could also pose a challenge to Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) in the general election - if Mendelson survives his primary match up against former parks and recreation direct Clark Ray.

Catania's decision to seek re-election makes it difficult for District Republicans to field an at-large council candidate this year. Catania is a former Republican, and GOP leaders say it's unlikely one of their candidates could succeed in a race for the minority-party seat against him.

-- Tim Craig