Brandon Todd (politician)

{{Short description|American politician and lobbyist (born 1983)}}

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Brandon Todd

| image = Brandon Todd Inauguration 2017.jpg

| office = Member of the
Council of the District of Columbia
from the 4th ward

| term_start = May 14, 2015

| term_end = January 2, 2021

| predecessor = Muriel Bowser

| successor = Janeese Lewis George

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|5|26}}

| birth_place = Washington, D.C., U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| party = Democratic (since 2007)
Republican (until 2007)

| education = Bowie State University (BA)
Trinity Washington University (MBA)

}}

Brandon Tristan Todd (born May 26, 1983) is a lobbyist for Washington Gas and a former American politician who represented Ward 4 on the Council of the District of Columbia. Todd previously worked in the Council office of Muriel Bowser and in various campaign positions during her successful campaign for Mayor of the District of Columbia. Todd won a special election in May 2015, succeeding Muriel Bowser, who was elected as mayor. After serving one full term on the council, Todd lost the 2020 Democratic primary to Janeese Lewis George.{{cite news |last=Nirappil |first=Fenit |date=June 3, 2020 |title=Brandon Todd loses his D.C. Council seat, and voters soundly reject Jack Evans |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-primary-results/2020/06/03/de33d982-a596-11ea-bb20-ebf0921f3bbd_story.html |newspaper= Washington Post|location=Washington DC |access-date=June 3, 2020}}

Early life and education

Todd was born on May 26, 1983,{{Cite web|url=http://dccouncil.us/council/brandon-todd|title=Councilmember Brandon T. Todd|website=dccouncil.us|access-date=2017-04-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405174450/http://dccouncil.us/council/brandon-todd|archive-date=2017-04-05|url-status=dead}} and raised in Washington, D.C. He graduated from Eastern High School and has a communications degree from Bowie State University and a Master in Business Administration from Trinity Washington University.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/mike-debonis/wp/2014/12/04/brandon-todd-will-seek-ward-4-d-c-council-seat-with-bowsers-blessing/|title=Brandon Todd will seek Ward 4 D.C. Council seat, with Bowser's blessing|author= Mike DeBonis|date=December 4, 2014|access-date=April 9, 2015|newspaper=Washington Post}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thecapitalnews.com/person-watch-brandon-todd/|title= Person To Watch: Brandon Todd |author= Aaron C. Davis and Abigail Hauslohner|date=June 4, 2014|access-date=April 29, 2015|publisher=Capital News}} In 2005, while in college, Todd declared bankruptcy for more than $20,000 in unpaid debts. His creditors were primarily credit card companies, with charges from clothing retailers.{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/looselips/2015/02/19/leading-ward-4-candidate-filed-for-bankruptcy-in-2005-over-debts-to-j-crew-nordstrom-others/|title= Leading Ward 4 Candidate Filed for Bankruptcy in 2005 Over Debts to J. Crew, Nordstrom, Others |author= Will Sommer|date=February 19, 2014|access-date=April 29, 2015|publisher=Washington City Paper}}

Career

Todd joined the Democratic Party in October 2007 after voting in five elections as a member of the Republican Party.{{cite news|author=Will Sommer|date=February 24, 2015|title=Ward 4 Opponent Hits Brandon Todd on Republican Past, Residency|publisher=Washington City Paper|url=http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/looselips/2015/02/24/ward-4-opponent-hits-brandon-todd-on-republican-past-residency/|access-date=April 30, 2015}}

In 2012, Todd managed Bowser's campaign for reelection as Ward 4 Councilmember. He served as Bowser's director of constituent services. In the same year, Todd was elected as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention representing Wards 3, 4, 5, and 7.{{cite news |title= D.C. Political Roundup |last= Wright |first= James |work= Washington Informer |date= March 22, 2012 |page= 5 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1014287665/}}

In March 2013, Todd coordinated a construction job fair for workers skilled in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, concrete, rough carpentry, masonry, roofing, and waterproofing in Fort Totten Square.{{cite news |title= D.C. community calendar, March 21 to 28, 2013 |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= March 21, 2013 |page= T26 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1318532546/ }}

On June 5, 2013, Todd was elected chair of the Ward 4 Democrats.{{cite news |title= D.C. Political Roundup |last= Wright |first= James |work= Washington Informer |date= July 13, 2013 |page= 5 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1426793391/ }} He launched a new web site and Twitter account for the organization. In 2014, he was Finance Director for Bowser's mayoral campaign.

=Electoral history=

==2014 special election==

On December 4, 2014, Todd announced his candidacy for councilmember for Ward 4 after the position was vacated when Bowser was elected mayor. Within three days of his announcement, Todd had raised $50,000.{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/looselips/2015/02/03/bowsers-pick-blows-out-ward-4-competition-in-fundraising/|title= Bowser's Pick Blows Out Ward 4 Competition in Fundraising |author= Will Sommer|date=February 5, 2015|access-date=April 29, 2015|publisher=Washington City Paper}} In the final campaign finance filing before the election, Todd had three times the financial reserves of his nearest rival.{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/looselips/2015/04/23/ward-4-ex-candidate-backs-the-only-guy-with-any-money-left/|title= Ward 4 Ex-Candidate Backs the Only Guy With Any Money Left |author= Will Sommer|date=April 23, 2015|access-date=April 29, 2015|publisher=Washington City Paper}} Todd accepted donations from LLCs owned by companies, which allowed companies to donate additional money to the campaign.{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/looselips/2015/02/11/premium-rush-bowser-picks-grab-campaign-cash-before-loophole-closes/|title= Premium Rush: Bowser Picks Grab Campaign Cash Before Loophole Closes |author= Will Sommer|date=February 11, 2015|access-date=April 30, 2015|publisher=Washington City Paper}}{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/looselips/2015/03/06/ward-4-rival-hits-brandon-todd-on-llc-loophole-donations/|title= Ward 4 Rival Hits Brandon Todd on LLC Loophole |author= Will Sommer|date=March 6, 2015|access-date=April 30, 2015|publisher=Washington City Paper}}

Todd advertised his close relationship with the mayor, saying he was the only candidate in the field who would be able to pick up the phone and discuss the ward's needs directly with her.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-voters-go-to-polls-to-fill-bowser-barry-council-seats/2015/04/28/22c91fac-ed65-11e4-a55f-38924fca94f9_story.html|title= Bowser protege Brandon Todd wins Ward 4 seat; Ward 8 too close to call |author= Aaron C. Davis and Abigail Hauslohner|date=April 29, 2015|access-date=April 29, 2015|newspaper=Washington Post}} At a debate, it was reported that Todd searched on Google when asked to name a historical figure whose leadership he admired. His campaign had no comment on the action.{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/looselips/2015/04/23/mr-todds-wild-ride-muriel-bowsers-candidate-coasts-in-ward-4/|title= Mr. Todd's Wild Ride: Muriel Bowser's Candidate Coasts in Ward 4 |author= Will Sommer|date=April 23, 2015|access-date=April 30, 2015|publisher=Washington City Paper}}{{cite news|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2015/04/24/brandon_todd_historical_figure_google_caught_using_phone_during_debate.html|title= Politician Caught Googling "Historical Figure" After Being Asked to Name Admired Historical Figure |author= Ben Mathis-Lilley|date=April 24, 2014|access-date=April 29, 2015|publisher=Slate}} Todd won with 42% of the vote.{{cite news|url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Special-Election-for-DC-Council-Held-Tues-301544671.html|title= Ward 8 Special Election Too Close to Call |date=April 29, 2015|access-date=April 30, 2015|publisher=Capital News}}

==2016 general election==

In the June 14, 2016 D.C Council Ward 4 Democratic primary election, Todd won with 49% of the vote.{{cite news|url=http://wtop.com/dc/2016/06/dc-council-democratic-primary-results-2016/|title=D.C. voters oust 3 Council members|author= Amanda Lacone|date=June 14, 2016|access-date=December 15, 2016|publisher= WTOP}} He received the endorsements of the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, Democrats for Education Reform,{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2016/05/10/gray-wins-stein-club-endorsement/|title=Gray wins Stein club endorsement|author= Lou Chibbaro Jr|date=May 10, 2016|access-date=December 15, 2016|publisher=Washington Blade}} and The Washington Post.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/for-dc-council/2016/05/27/5e86c61c-20ee-11e6-aa84-42391ba52c91_story.html|title=For D.C. Council|author= Editorial Board|date=May 27, 2016|access-date=December 15, 2016|newspaper=Washington Post}} Todd won reelection for a full four-year term in the general election on November 8, 2016.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/vincent-grays-political-comeback-looks-likely/2016/06/14/07e5fede-31b2-11e6-8758-d58e76e11b12_story.html|title=Vincent Gray wins D.C. Council seat, makes political comeback|author= Aaron Davis|date=June 15, 2015|access-date=June 15, 2015|newspaper=Washington Post}} He garnered 35,100 votes.[https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/2015/April-28-Special-Election] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620222941/https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/2015/April-28-Special-Election |date=2016-06-20 }}District of Columbia Board of Elections. Nov 18, 2016.

== 2020 primary election ==

Todd lost the June 2020 primary election to progressive activist and former D.C. Assistant Attorney General Janeese Lewis George, a self-described democratic socialist, 7,926 to 6,386 votes.{{Cite news|last1=Nirappil|first1=Fenit|first2=Julie|last2= Zauzmer|date=3 June 2020|title=Brandon Todd loses his D.C. Council seat, and voters soundly reject Jack Evans|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-primary-results/2020/06/03/de33d982-a596-11ea-bb20-ebf0921f3bbd_story.html|access-date=2020-06-04|newspaper=Washington Post|language=en}}

=Council of the District of Columbia=

==First term==

During his campaign, Todd said that he opposed awarding the operation of DC's prisons to a controversial private management company. After his election, Todd said that the council should not be involved in awarding the contract.{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/looselips/2015/04/30/brandon-todds-first-flip-flop/|title= Brandon Todd's First Flip-Flop |author= Will Sommer|date=April 30, 2015|access-date=April 30, 2015|publisher=Washington City Paper}}

While campaigning, Todd was one of the few candidates who did not oppose pop-ups, or housing extensions above the original height.{{cite news|url=http://www.kennedystreetnw.org/2015/04/25/ward-4-dc-council-candidates-respond-to-ksda-questionnaire/|title=Ward 4 DC Council candidates respond to KSDA Questionnaire|date=Apr 25, 2015|access-date=April 21, 2016|publisher=Kennedy Street News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409091725/http://www.kennedystreetnw.org/2015/04/25/ward-4-dc-council-candidates-respond-to-ksda-questionnaire/|archive-date=2016-04-09|url-status=dead}} After winning office and in the wake of community protests, he said he was "not outright opposed to pop-ups but that he wanted to find a balance between new housing units and neighbors' concerns."{{cite news|url=http://wjla.com/news/local/d-c-residents-hold-rally-to-protest-pop-up-houses-114272|title=D.C. residents hold rally to protest 'pop-up' houses|author= MIKE CONNEEN|date=May 26, 2015|access-date=April 9, 2016|work=ABC News}}

In 2016, amid community opposition Todd announced his support for Mayor Bowser's plan to open a homeless shelter in Ward 4, hoping that it would be used as a catalyst for economic development.{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2016/02/12/d-c-general-closure-city-officials-hold-meetings-in-all-eight-wards/|title=D.C. General Closure: City Officials Hold Meetings in All Eight Wards|author= City Desk|date=February 14, 2016|access-date=February 17, 2016|work=Washington Times}}{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/feb/16/dc-mayor-muriel-bowsers-homeless-shelter-plan-lack/?page=all|title=D.C. mayor's homeless shelter plan lacks transparency, critics say|author= Ryan M. McDermott|date=February 16, 2016|access-date=February 17, 2016|work=Washington Times}}

After a building was condemned in Ward 4 and its residents forced to vacate the property, Todd was described as not helpful. A spokesperson for Todd said he was aware of the condemnation.{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/looselips/2016/03/10/forced-exit-looms-for-tenants-in-condemned-building/#more-29075|title= Forced Exit Looms for Tenants in Condemned Building |author= Will Sommer|date=March 10, 2016|access-date=March 10, 2016|publisher=Washington City Paper}}

In April 2017, the DC Auditor announced that it was conducting an investigation into the financing of Todd's 2015 special election campaign. As a result, Todd was fined $5,100 by the office of campaign finance,{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/2017/06/01/28ea2fd8-46e2-11e7-98cd-af64b4fe2dfc_story.html|title=Council member Todd gets minor fine for many campaign finance infractions|last=Davis|first=Aaron C.|date=2017-06-02|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}} which he paid in-full.{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/the-forerunner/a-virginia-election-primer-and-getting-to-know-the-dc-council-vol-11-brandton-todd-and-ward-4-6e5eaf121099|title=A Virginia Election Primer and Getting to Know the DC Council Vol 11: Brandon Todd and Ward 4|last=Mailander|first=Jessica|date=2017-06-29|website=Medium|access-date=2018-03-12}} Todd was unable to substantiate donations of over $100,000 and failed to report $34,000 in donations. While the investigation was underway during the 2016 general election, it was not disclosed.{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Aaron |date=7 April 2017 |title=Audit finds D.C. Council member cannot substantiate $100K in contributions |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/audit-finds-dc-council-member-cannot-substantiate-100k-in-contributions/2017/04/07/45b014ee-1afe-11e7-855e-4824bbb5d748_story.html#comments |newspaper=The Washington Post |location=Washington DC |access-date=19 January 2017 }}

In November 2017, Todd supported legislation that would jump-start economic development and revitalization along the Kennedy Street Corridor.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/sep/26/dc-council-moving-bill-to-jump-start-kennedy-stree/|title=D.C. Council moving bill to jump-start Kennedy Street revitalization|newspaper=The Washington Times|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US}}

==Second term==

Todd was sworn into office for a full four-year council term at noon on January 2, 2017.{{cite news|title=New members sworn into 2017 DC Council|work=WUSA-9|date=January 2, 2017|access-date=January 2, 2017|url=http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/new-members-sworn-into-2017-dc-council/381248487}}

On January 20, 2017, Todd joined Councilmembers Jack Evans and Anita Bonds, as well as Mayor Muriel Bowser at the parade for the inauguration of Donald Trump, saying "It's important that we get to know the Trump administration and they get to know the District. And the first step in that is being here for a peaceful transition of power."{{cite news |last=Jamison |first=Peter |date=19 January 2017 |title=Only 3 of 13 D.C. Council members to attend inauguration parade |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/only-3-of-13-dc-council-members-to-attend-inauguration-parade/2017/01/19/bc13844c-ddcb-11e6-918c-99ede3c8cafa_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |location=Washington DC |access-date=19 January 2017 }}{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=20 January 2017 |title=3 DC Council Members, Mayor to Watch Inaugural Parade |url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Just-Three-DC-Council-Members-and-Mayor-to-Watch-Inaugural-Parade.html |newspaper=NBC Washington |location=Washington DC |access-date=20 January 2017}}

Todd supported the modernization of West Elementary School during the Fiscal Year 2018 budget negotiations.{{Cite web|url=https://currentnewspapers.com/modernizations-move-forward-at-west-eaton-schools/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923205946/https://currentnewspapers.com/modernizations-move-forward-at-west-eaton-schools/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=September 23, 2017|title=Modernizations move forward at West, Eaton schools {{!}} Current Newspapers|last=Lieberman|first=Mark|website=currentnewspapers.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-03-12}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.petworthnews.org/blog/cm-corner-fy-18-budget-win-petworth|title=Councilmember's Corner: "The 2018 budget is a win for Petworth"|work=Petworth News|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US}}

When anti-immigrant flyers were spread around Ward 4, Todd stated that "Xenophobic and hostile flyers will not be tolerated. All residents, regardless of race, color, creed, religious affiliation or sexual preference, deserve to feel safe and respected in their community."{{Cite news|url=http://dcist.com/2017/08/ward_4_residents_report_bigoted_fly.php|title=Ward 4 Residents Report Bigoted Flyers To Police|work=DCist|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316073702/http://dcist.com/2017/08/ward_4_residents_report_bigoted_fly.php|archive-date=2018-03-16|url-status=live}}

On September 19, 2017, Todd introduced the "Universal Free Lunch for All Amendment Act of 2017," which would provide lunch for all students in District of Columbia public schools, public charter schools, and participating private schools free of charge.{{Cite news|url=https://wtop.com/dc/2017/09/dc-students-receive-free-lunch-new-bill/|title=All DC students would receive free lunch under new bill|date=2017-09-22|work=WTOP|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.brandontoddward4.com/press-release/councilmember-todd-prioritizes-students-families-at-dc-council-legislative-meeting/|title=Councilmember Todd Prioritizes Students & Families At DC Council Legislative Meeting - District of Columbia Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd|date=2017-09-19|work=District of Columbia Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US}}

On October 3, 2017, Todd helped secure passage of the "Standard of Care for Animals Amendment Act of 2017," a comprehensive animal welfare bill to protect the health and safety of District animals.{{Cite web|url=http://www.humanerescuealliance.org/blog/posts/dc-council-passes-standard-of-care-for-animals-amendment-act-of-2017|title=DC Council Passes Standard of Care for Animals Amendment Act of 2017|website=www.humanerescuealliance.org|language=en-us|access-date=2018-03-12}}

On December 4, 2017, Todd introduced a bill to strengthen identity theft protections for children and eliminate credit freeze fees for all District residents. The "Identity Protection Amendment Act of 2017" would enable a parent or guardian of a child to place a credit freeze on their behalf. The legislation was developed in concert with the Attorney General of the District of Columbia, (OAG). It builds on similar emergency legislation introduced by OAG and temporarily passed into law after the Equifax data breach.{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitalwirepr.com/pr_description.php?id=5438ed47-1d0c-50b3-e600-5a25caecea86|title=Capital Wire PR|website=www.capitalwirepr.com|access-date=2018-03-12}}

On December 5, 2017, Todd secured passage of his "Office on African American Affairs Establishment Act of 2017," legislatively creating an office with grant-making authority to develop, implement, and support policies and programs for African American advancement in the District of Columbia.{{Cite news|url=http://www.afro.com/todd-authors-bill-preserve-black-culture-d-c/|title=Todd Authors Bill to Preserve Black Culture in D.C. {{!}} Afro|date=2017-12-14|work=Afro|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US}}

Todd introduced legislation that would create an Office of Nightlife to act as a liaison between government, community leaders and business owners to ensure that all residents benefit from the proliferation of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues in the nation's capitol in recent years.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/do-you-love-the-nightlife-you-might-be-dcs-first-night-mayor/2017/11/01/ec73ba0e-bf1f-11e7-97d9-bdab5a0ab381_story.html|title=Do you love the nightlife? You might be D.C.'s first 'night mayor.'|last=Chason|first=Rachel|date=2017-11-01|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}} The bill received support from both the business community and community leaders.{{Cite news|url=http://www.washingtonblade.com/2017/12/08/opinion-office-of-nightlife/|title=Opinion {{!}} D.C. deserves a city 'Office of Nightlife' – done right|date=2017-12-08|work=Washington Blade: Gay News, Politics, LGBT Rights|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US}}

Todd was active in responding to widespread reports from Ward 4 residents about Metro trains vibrating their homes. He sent three separate letters to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority General Manager over the course of a year to solicit more information and ask for expedited progress.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2017/12/18/are-metros-new-trains-causing-irksome-petworth-vibrations-mostly-not-consultants-say/|title=Are Metro's new trains causing Petworth vibrations? Mostly not, consultants say.|last=Powers|first=Martine|date=2017-12-18|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}}

Todd supported campaign finance reform by voting in favor of the "Fair Elections Act of 2017".{{Cite web|url=https://uspirg.org/news/usp/dc-council-moves-forward-transformative-fair-elections-bill-unanimous-13-0-vote|title=D.C. Council Moves Forward Transformative Fair Elections Bill in Unanimous 13-0 Vote {{!}} U.S. PIRG|website=uspirg.org|language=en|access-date=2018-03-12}}

In 2018, Todd was the sole Councilmember who opposed providing subpoena power to the Committee on Health to investigate Veritas, a politically connected DC contractor charged with management of the United Medical Center.{{cite news |last=Reed |first=Tina |date= Mar 15, 2018|title=D.C. Council panel gets subpoena power to investigate former hospital contractor |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2018/03/15/d-c-council-panel-gets-subpoena-power-to.html |work= Washington Business Journal|location=Washington DC |access-date=Mar 15, 2018 }} Concerns about patient safety and charges of mismanagement at UMC prompted the inquiry. The CEO of Veritas donated $6,000 to Brandon Todd's campaign.{{cite news |last=Jamison |first=Peter |date= Mar 14, 2018|title=D.C. Council approves subpoenas for public hospital's former consultants |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-council-approves-subpoenas-for-public-hospitals-former-consultants/2018/03/14/4e7dad3c-279d-11e8-874b-d517e912f125_story.html |newspaper= Washington Post|location=Washington DC |access-date=Mar 14, 2018 }}

Todd was one of the council members who overturned the raise of the minimum wage for tipped workers that voters passed in a 2018 ballot but which the council repealed before it went into effect, and this would become a significant issue in his 2020 defeat in the democratic primary.{{cite news |last=Zauzmer |first=Julie |date=June 19, 2020 |title=Janeese Lewis George, the democratic socialist who beat one of the D.C. mayor's allies, says she'll be a pragmatic council member |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2020/06/19/janeese-lewis-george-democratic-socialist-who-beat-one-dc-mayors-allies-says-shell-be-pragmatic-council-member/ |newspaper= Washington Post|location=Washington DC |access-date=June 20, 2020}}

=Campaign finance controversy=

As a result of an audit of his 2015 campaign in April 2017, Todd was fined $5,100 by the Office of Campaign Finance, which he paid in-full.

After Todd's 2015 special election win, the District government's Office of Campaign Finance (OCF) audited the Todd campaign as part of its regular after-election audit of all campaigns. The audit, completed in early January 2016, discovered that the campaign failed to report more than $34,000 in contributions. The campaign also received more than $69,000 in contributions for which it had no records indicating who made the donation. For reasons which remain unclear, the OCF agreed to keep its preliminary audit confidential until the 2015 Todd special election campaign answered the report's allegations. According to the OCF, the 2015 Todd campaign repeatedly declined to provide it with the information and answers it sought, even as Todd campaigned for a full, four-year term on the council during a hotly contest June 14, 2016, Democratic primary. Todd's 2015 campaign staff said they provided all the information the OCF asked for, but the OCF's "antiquated" technology was unable to accept or integrate the information.{{cite news|last=Davis|first=Aaron C.|title=Audit finds D.C. Council member cannot substantiate $100K in contributions|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 7, 2017|access-date=April 9, 2017|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/audit-finds-dc-council-member-cannot-substantiate-100k-in-contributions/2017/04/07/45b014ee-1afe-11e7-855e-4824bbb5d748_story.html}} OCF found the campaign failed to adequately document another $100,000 in contributions.{{cite news|last=Davis|first=Aaron C.|title=More contributions to D.C. Council member cannot be tracked to source|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 16, 2017|access-date=April 17, 2017|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/more-contributions-to-dc-council-member-cannot-be-tracked-to-source/2017/04/16/a1ee4850-2131-11e7-ad74-3a742a6e93a7_story.html}}

Todd won the June 14 primary with 49 percent of the vote, without voters knowing about the report's preliminary findings. His closest challenger, Leon T. Andrews Jr., had 40.8 percent. Todd was unopposed in the general election. Once more, voters remained in the dark about the report's finding.

On April 7, 2017, about 16 months after the preliminary report was issued, The Washington Post made the report's draft findings public.

The Washington Post reported on April 17, 2017, that 136 contributors to Todd's 2016 reelection campaign could not be identified by name. The donors contributed about $18,000 to the 2016 effort. Another 1,200 of the 1,400 contributors to the campaign provided no employer information, as required by law. OCF had previously identified more than $7,000 in contributions to Todd's 2016 campaign which were illegal or questionable under D.C. campaign finance laws, and the Todd campaign returned those donations. However, About $5,000 in donations were over the legal limit of $500 per individual or business. The 2016 reelection campaign accepted these donations, and did not return them. OCF officials said they had previously identified numerous questionable donations and expenditures by the Todd 2016 reelection campaign, but many of these had been resolved and the agency was still in the process of obtaining more information.

=Post-council career=

After losing reelection in 2020, it was announced that Todd had taken a position with Washington Gas, as director of corporate public policy. In that role, he leads Washington Gas' external relations strategy and lobbies regulators.{{cite news|last= Brice-Saddler|first=Michael|title=Outgoing D.C. Council member Brandon T. Todd to lobby for Washington Gas|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=December 21, 2020|access-date=December 21, 2020|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/brandon-todd-washington-gas/2020/12/21/66144762-43ba-11eb-b0e4-0f182923a025_story.html}}

Personal life

Todd lives in the Petworth neighborhood of Ward 4 and attends St. Mary's Episcopal Church.{{Cite web|url=http://dccouncil.us/council/brandon-todd|title=Councilmember Brandon T. Todd|website=dccouncil.us|access-date=2016-12-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208193900/http://dccouncil.us/council/brandon-todd|archive-date=2016-12-08|url-status=dead}} He is single and in 2015 said he was "taking applications for a beautiful wife."

Election results

=2015=

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2015 Council of the District of Columbia, Ward 4, Special election{{cite web|title=Special Election for Ward 4 and Ward 8 Members of the Council|website=District of Columbia Board of Elections|date=May 14, 2015|access-date=April 9, 2017|url=https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/2015/April-28-Special-Election|postscript=none|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620222941/https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/2015/April-28-Special-Election|archive-date=June 20, 2016|url-status=dead}}; {{cite web|title=List of Candidates in Ballot Order in the April 28, 2015 Ward 4 and Ward 8 Members of the Council Special Election|work=District of Columbia Board of Elections|date=April 14, 2015|url=https://www.dcboee.org/pdf_files/nr_1684.pdf|access-date=October 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521161151/https://www.dcboee.org/pdf_files/nr_1684.pdf|archive-date=May 21, 2015|url-status=dead}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Brandon Todd

|votes = 4,584

|percentage = 43

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Renee L. Bowser

|votes = 2,311

|percentage = 21

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Leon T. Andrews, Jr.

|votes = 1,613

|percentage = 15

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Dwayne M. Toliver

|votes = 1,297

|percentage = 12

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Ron Austin

|votes = 185

|percentage = 2

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Edwin W. Powell

|votes = 132

|percentage = 1

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Judi Jones

|votes = 119

|percentage = 1

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Acqunetta Anderson

|votes = 117

|percentage = 1

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bobvala Tengen

|votes = 91

|percentage = 1

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Gwenellen Corley-Bowman

|votes = 73

|percentage = 1

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Douglass Sloan

|votes = 55

|percentage = 1

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Socialist Workers Party (United States)

|candidate = Glova Scott

|votes = 53

|percentage = 0

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Pedro Rubio, Jr.

|votes = 37

|percentage = 0

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Write-in

|votes = 38

|percentage = 0

}}

=2016=

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2016 Council of the District of Columbia, Ward 4, Democratic Primary{{cite web|title=Primary Election 2016 - Certified Results|work=District of Columbia Board of Elections|date=June 28, 2016|access-date=April 9, 2017|url=https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/v3/2016/June-14-Primary-Election|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008004035/https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/v3/2016/June-14-Primary-Election|archive-date=2016-10-08|url-status=dead}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Brandon Todd

|votes = 8,145

|percentage = 49.33

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Leon T. Andrews, Jr.

|votes = 6,738

|percentage = 40.81

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Ron Austin

|votes = 574

|percentage = 3.48

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Calvin H. Gurley

|votes = 509

|percentage = 3.08

}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2016 Council of the District of Columbia, Ward 4, General Election{{cite web|title=General Election 2016 - Certified Results|work=District of Columbia Board of Elections|date=November 18, 2016|access-date=April 9, 2017|url=https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/v3/2016/November-8-General-Election}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Brandon Todd

|votes = 35,100

|percentage = 85.5

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party =

|candidate = Write-in

|votes = 1,813

|percentage = 4.42

}}

=2020=

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2020 Council of the District of Columbia, Ward 4, Democratic Primary{{cite news|title=Live results: 2020 District of Columbia Council primaries

|newspaper=The Washington Post |date=June 3, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2020|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/election-results/washington-dc-council-primary-live-results/?itid=lk_interstitial_manual_9}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Janeese Lewis George

|votes = 7,926

|percentage = 54.2%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Brandon Todd

|votes = 6,386

|percentage = 43.7