LL didn’t think At-Large Councilmember David Grosso could somehow face a challenger on his left, but that’s what’s happening. Activist Drew Franklin tells LL that he plans to run against Grosso in next November’s general election.

Franklin, a 28-year-old writer who was involved in both Occupy D.C. and a food truck racism spat, has fighting displacement at the front of his upcoming platform.

“I think that D.C.’s in the midst of a serious crisis,” Franklin says. “People are losing their homes, the Metro’s falling apart, and the cost of living is preposterous.”

On the phone with LL, Franklin didn’t have any unkind words for his incumbent opponent. Other pols aren’t so lucky, though, with Franklin tagging Muriel Bowser and At-Large Councilmember Vincent Orange as a tool for the city’s business interests.

“Bowser and her friends have the power right now, but they don’t have the respect,” Franklin says. 

Franklin is the second challenger to declare against Grosso for the set-aside Council seat reserved for non-Democrats. He joins Republican Dave Oberting, whose campaign has its own issues.

While the electoral odds may not be favorable for the former American University student, Franklin is starting his campaign early, just like Grosso did when he won the seat in 2012. And Franklin claims he has another advantage over his opponents.

“I’ll get votes because I keep it real at all times,” Franklin says.

Photo courtesy Drew Franklin