The District’s feuding Democratic factions made nice with each other last Saturday for a “unity” fundraiser for Muriel Bowser at downtown’s Capitale nightclub. One-time Vince Gray stalwart and Bowser hater Marion Barry even promised to kick mayoral hopeful David Catania‘s ass on Bowser’s behalf. But the event aimed at party unity failed to bring in Bowser’s most significant former opponent: Gray.

In what sounds like a plot out of Gossip Girl, Gray says that Bowser didn’t invite him to the shindig until just hours beforehand, much less ask him to be on the host committee that featured other defeated Bowser opponents.

“I found out about it actually in a text message,” Gray says.

Gray’s alleged last-minute invite to the party continues the two pols’ thorny post-primary relationship. After losing by more than 10 percentage points to the Ward 4 councilmember, Gray dragged his feet on calling Bowser and congratulating her, then exchanged an awkward hug after reporters at a “unity” breakfast pointed out that Gray hadn’t shaken Bowser’s hand.

Bowser campaign manager Bo Shuff wouldn’t say why Gray wasn’t asked to the party, referring LL’s questions to his candidate. Bowser didn’t respond to requests for comment.

As for whether Bowser is intentionally snubbing him, Gray thinks LL is reading too much into a single text.

“Oh please, come on now,” Gray says.

Photo by Darrow Montgomery