Phil Mendelson

Mendelson grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio,{{cite news |title= Mendelson is a man of detail, not drama |last= Klein |first= Allison |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= June 13, 2012 |page= A1 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1020027377/ }} and came to Washington, D.C., in 1970 to attend American University.{{cite web |title= About Phil |work= Phil Mendelson: DC Council Chairman |url= http://chairmanmendelson.com/about-phil/ |access-date= September 26, 2015}} He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.{{cite news |title= D.C. Council Races: At Large |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= September 5, 1996 |page= DC2 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1033985840/ }}

In 1986, Mendelson ran unopposed to represent McLean Gardens in Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3C.{{cite news |title= Advisory Neighborhood Commissions |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= October 30, 1986 |page= DC11 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/138787445/}} He won the election.{{cite news |title= Winners |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= November 13, 1986 |page= DC7 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/138919789/ }} In 1987, he was elected treasurer of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3C.{{cite news |title= ANC Actions |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= February 5, 1987 |page=J5 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/306887464/ }}{{cite news |title= ANC Actions |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= June 4, 1987 |page= DC5 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/139116170/ }}

Mendelson fought against a developer who wanted to build an office building on Wisconsin Avenue near Upton Street NW.{{cite news |title= Protesters, Court Stall Building Of Road in NW |first= Linda |last= Wheeler |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= June 10, 1987 |page= D3 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/139106447/ }} Mendelson was opposed to the developer building an access road over a forested area. After his community group filed a lawsuit to block the road, a court determined that the developer had the right to build the access road.{{cite news |title= Go-Ahead Granted on Disputed NW Road |first= Linda |last= Wheeler |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= June 17, 1987 |page= D9 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/139154277/}} Mendelson tried to block the work using his own body, for which he was arrested.{{cite news |title= Wooded Area Razed for Disputed NW Access Road |first= Peter |last= Pae |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= June 23, 1987 |page= B3 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/139226073/}} The wooded area was razed, and the access road was built.

Mendelson was critical of a policy of not assessing property taxes on a building until the roof is sealed.{{cite news |title= Building's Unfinished Roof Gives Developer Big Shelter |first= Albert B. |last= Crenshaw |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= September 24, 1988 |page= E1 |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/realestate/1988/09/24/buildings-unfinished-roof-gives-developer-big-shelter/5d645767-c1a5-42c8-b13c-78a040368e19/ }} One particular developer saved $500,000 of property taxes from delaying the sealing of the roof until later in the construction timeline. Mendelson said the District of Columbia was losing significant amounts of tax revenue from what he called a loophole.

In 1988, Mendelson was elected to the D.C. Democratic State Committee, representing Ward 3, in 1988.{{cite news |title= Jackson's Landslide Falls Short of Hopes: Lack of D.C. Organization Cited Dukakis' D.C. Vote Less Than Mondale's in 1984 |first= Tom |last= Sherwood |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= May 5, 1988 |page= D1 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/139672504/}} He ran unopposed for reelection as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner,{{cite news |title= Advisory Neighborhood Commission |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= November 3, 1988 |page= J5 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/307088262/}} and he won the election.{{cite news |title= District Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Election Votes Tabulated |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= November 11, 1988 |page= C4 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/139330574/ }} He was elected chair of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3C soon thereafter.{{cite news |title= Metro's Zoo Directions Don't Tell Whole Story: Cleveland Park Feeling Short-Changed |last= Barker |first= Karlyn |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= October 25, 1989 |page= D5 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/139883012/ }}

In 1990, Mendelson resigned from the D.C. Democratic State Committee to work for the reelection campaign of Jim Nathanson, member of the Council of the District of Columbia representing Ward 3.{{cite news |title= Making—and Not Making—Hard Budget Choices |first= Michael |last= Abramowits |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= March 15, 1990 |page= DC3 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/140104383/ }}

Also in 1990, Mendelson voiced his opposition to iron fences on the Duke Ellington Bridge in Rock Creek Park that were intended to prevent people from jumping off the bridge.{{cite news |title= Fences That Have Failed |first1= Josephine |last1= Butler |first2= Phil |last2= Mendelson |format= opinion |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= March 24, 1990 |page= A20 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/140134485/}} He said the fences did not prevent suicide because there were more suicide attempts from the bridge after the fences were erected. An increase in suicide attempts from the nearby Taft Bridge demonstrated that the fences merely diverted, rather than deterred, suicide attempts in his opinion. Mendelson argued against putting fences up again after the Duke Ellington Bridge's scheduled reconstruction and instead post phone numbers for suicide prevention hotlines on the bridge. He was also opposed to building fences on the Taft Bridge.{{cite news |title= New Debate On Suicide Barriers: Issue Dominates Taft Bridge Meetings |first= Margaret K. |last= Webb |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= May 24, 1990 |page= DC1 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/140191757/ }} A group of local mental health physicians was in favor of the fences, saying the fences were worthwhile even if they did not deter every suicide attempt.

Mendelson ran unopposed for reelection as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in 1990;{{cite news |title= Advisory Neighborhood Commissions |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= November 1, 1990 |page= H8 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/307313165/ }} he won the election.{{cite news |title= Incumbents Sail Into ANC Posts; 176 Commissioners Reelected With Little or No Opposition |last= Armstrong |first= Jenice |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= November 15, 1990 |page= J1 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/307383059/ }}

When the owner of a residential building proposed constructing townhouses in front of the apartments, Mendelson opposed the idea, saying, "It makes no sense to put eight townhouses on the lawn of an apartment building."{{cite news |title= Town House Plan Gets Hearing |last= Greene |first= Jon |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= July 16, 1992 |page= DC2 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/140689549/ }}

In 1992, Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly's task force on the homeless made a recommendation that shelter beds should be located equally throughout the District.{{cite news |title= Panel Would Divvy Up Beds for the Homeless: Equal Share Envisioned in All D.C. Wards |last= Castaneda |first= Ruben |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= August 17, 1992 |page= C1 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/307569406/ }} Other than a few churches, there were no homeless shelters located in Ward 3 at the time. The ward's council member Jim Nathanson opposed establishing homeless shelters in Ward 3. Mendelson was also opposed, saying, "There's no right for the homeless to get shelter in any neighborhood they want."

In 1992, Mendelson ran unopposed for reelection as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner{{cite news |title= New ANC Borders Spark Fierce Fights for Unpaid Posts |last= Sutner |first= Shaun |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= October 29, 1992 |page= DC7 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/140707142/}} and won the election.{{cite news |title= 267 ANC Seats Filled in Vote, but 32 Remain Open |last= Sutner |first= Shaun |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= November 19, 1992 |page= DC4 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/140765995/ }} He was subsequently elected vice-chair of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3C, which represents residents of Cleveland Park, Cathedral Heights, Massachusetts Heights, and Woodley Park.{{cite news |title= News Near You |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= February 4, 1993 |page= DC4 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/140793337/}}

In 1996, Mendelson ran for an at-large seat on the Council.{{cite news |title= Challenger Says Brazil Gets Scarce for the Tough Votes |last1= Harris |first1= Hamil R |first2= Yolanda |last2= Woodlee |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= July 25, 1996 |page= DC1 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1034048579/ }} Mendelson's campaign focused on holding government employees accountable, hiring qualified individuals for government positions, and cutting wasteful and ineffective programs. Mendelson criticized incumbent Harold Brazil for conspicuously leaving a Council meeting just before a vote on whether to reduce pension benefits for newly hired police officers, firefighters, and teachers. Mendelson said Brazil's absence was in line with many other important votes that Brazil for which was absent. He said all Council members should accept a cut in salary due to recent poor performance of the Council.{{cite news |title= Despite D.C. Budget Woes, It Still Pays to Be on Council: Salaries Are Among Highest in the Country |first= Hamil R |last= Harris |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= September 7, 1996 |page= B1 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1034090439/ }}

Brazil won the Democratic primary election.{{cite news |title= District Primary Election Results |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= September 11, 1996 |page= A2 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1034087358/}} Mendelson came in fourth place with seven percent of the vote. While Mendelson did not appear on the ballot for Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, he was only individual to notify the Board of Elections that he was willing to represent Single Member District 3C06, and therefore the Board certified him the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for that district.{{cite news |title= ANC Winners Declared; 42 Positions Have No Takers |last1= Wheeler |first1= Linda |first2= Hamil R |last2= Harris |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= November 21, 1996 |page= DC7 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1034006541/ }}

When Congress began moving more and more responsibilities from the District Government to the District of Columbia Financial Control Board, Mendelson argued against doing so, saying that only removes accountability from Mayor Marion Barry.{{cite news |title= Barry Puts Positive Spin on His Reduced Role |first= Vanessa |last= Williams |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= March 2, 1997 |page= B1 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1458347149/ }} Mendelson said that Mayor Barry should have enough control over the District in order for voters to be able to judge his actions. "These end runs, so to speak, in a way empower Barry, because they get him off the hook and play into the voters' reliance on other people to solve our problems."

In 1997, the District Department of Recreation tore down a playground in McLean Gardens because it was rotting, splintered, and dangerous.{{cite news |title= NW Children's Playground Is No More; Teary Tots, Irate Parents Find City Dismantled It Without Notice |last= Horwitz |first= Sari |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= June 11, 1997 |page= B3 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/408309664/}} Mendelson criticized the Department of Recreation for not informing residents ahead of time and for not replacing the equipment immediately. A spokesperson for the Department said that the new playground equipment would be installed within two weeks.

The Washington Post wrote an article detailing how the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs does not consistently enforce District laws, does not consistently collect the fees it is due, and has insufficient authority to do either.{{cite news |title= A Critical D.C. Agency Fails to Mind Its Affairs: Regulations Unenforced, Fees Uncollected |last1= Loeb |first1= Vernon |first2= Michael |last2= Powell |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= August 27, 1997 |page= A1 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1453662575/ }} Mendelson noted that residents build decks without permits and receive no penalty, and neighbors have no recourse. Mendelson said that the Department could only advise residents of the law, and he advocated for giving the Department more authority to enforce the laws that it has purview over. Mendelson later advocated against the Council's confirmation of W. David Watts as the agency's director, saying that the Council was not confirming the best individual for the position.{{cite news |title= D.C. Council Confirms Its Critics' Fears |first= Vanessa |last= Williams |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= September 15, 1997 |page= C1 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1458149504/ }} Mendelson continued to advocate for simplifying regulatory requirements and increasing enforcement.{{cite news |title= Roadblock to Real Reform... |last= Mendelson |first= Phil |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= February 1, 1998 |format= op-ed |page= C10 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1620341077/ }} When the Council unanimously passed a bill to reform the regulatory process, Mendelson said it was hastily written and had not been opened to enough public opinion.{{cite news |title= Activist Asks Control Board To Overturn Bill: Request Angers Council, Home Rule Advocates |first= Vanessa |last= Williams |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= February 12, 1998 |page= DC1 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1620146886/ }} Mendelson asked the Financial Control Board to overturn the Council's bill. While Council member David Catania admitted the bill was not perfect, he also took issue with Mendelson's approach, saying it undermined District home rule.

In 1998, the Financial Control Board considered repealing a law that required environmental impact statements for private projects costing more than $1 million.{{cite news |title= ...And One That Needs To Stay on the Books |last1= Ferster |first1= Andrea |last2= Mendelson |first2= Phil |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= April 26, 1998 |page= 48 |format= op-ed |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1620160165/}} The Financial Control Board said repealing the law would make it easier to do business in the District. Mendelson opposed the repeal, saying that environmental impact statements can reveal potential public health hazards before they occur and that preparation of the statements is not sufficiently onerous to offset the potential benefits. The Financial Control Board ended up increasing the threshold from $1 million to $5 million.{{cite news |title= D.C. Board Caps Term by Easing Business Rules |first= David A. |last= Vise |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= May 29, 1998 |page= A1 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1619975590/}}

On June 14, 1998, Mendelson announced he would run again for an at-large seat on the Council of the District of Columbia.{{cite news |title= Civic Activist Seeks At-Large Seat |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= June 14, 1998 |page= B3 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/408376286/}} Mendelson said the public needed to be better informed about the incumbent Council's meetings and votes.{{cite news |title= At-Large Candidates Criticize Council on Schools |first= Vanessa |last= Williams |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= August 19, 1998 |page= B8 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1620798321/ }} He said residents only hear from Council members when they are up for reelection.

Mendelson said the District should be proactive about recruiting developers and businesses, and he thought he could play a role in doing so as a member of the Council.{{cite news |title= At-Large Candidates Try To Stand Out in a Crowd; Campaigners Stress Ideas to Bolster Business Community, D.C. Council |last= Powell |first= Michael |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= September 6, 1998 |page= B1 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/408391796/ }} He also said the Council should do more during debates on education.

Mendelson's candidacy was endorsed by the editorial board of The Washington Post{{cite news |title= For D.C. Council |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= September 10, 1998 |page= A22 |format= editorial |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1640112624/ }} the Metropolitan Washington AFL–CIO, the Sierra Club, and the tenant advocacy council TENAC.{{cite news |title= Phil Mendelson |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= September 12, 1998 |page= DC6 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1620258551/ }}

Mendelson came in first place in the Democratic primary election with 17 percent of the vote, advancing to the general election.{{cite news |title= Williams Wins Mayoral Primary: District's Ex-Finance Chief Trounces Democratic Field |last1= Powell |first1= Michael |first2= Michael H. |last2= Cottman |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= September 16, 1998 |page= A1 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1619988840/}}

Mayor Marion Barry endorsed Mendelson's candidacy in the general election.{{cite news |title= After 3 Weeks, Barry Backs Entire Democratic Slate |last= Montgomery |first= David |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= October 8, 1998 |page= B1 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/408394650/ }} The editorial board of The Washington Post endorsed independent candidate Beverly Wilbourn and Republican incumbent David Catania in the general election.{{cite news |title= At Large: Wilbourn & Catania |format= editorial |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= October 23, 1998 |page= A26 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1620795231/}}

Mendelson won the general election with 37 percent of the vote.{{cite news |title= Mendelson, Catania Win: Veteran Council Member Hilda Mason Is Ousted |last= Montgomery |first= David |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= November 4, 1998 |page= A35 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/408419806/}}{{cite news |title= Result Chart: District of Columbia |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= November 4, 1998 |page= A37 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/408415357/ }} He was sworn in on January 2, 1999.{{cite news |title= 7 Members Sworn In, Altering D.C. Council; Lawmakers Promise to Bolster Oversight |last= Williams |first= Vanessa |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= January 3, 1999 |page= B4 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/408427466/ }} Because Mendelson had no seniority on the Council, Council Chair Linda W. Cropp did not assign him to chair any committees, but he was appointed as a representative to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.{{cite news |title= Council Names Committee Chairmanships |first= Vanessa |last= Williams |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= January 5, 1999 |page= B4 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1707899881/ }}

In 1999, Mendelson and Catania sponsored a bill to amend a law that required most contractors to hire a majority of District residents to complete contracts with the District government.{{cite news |title= Work Here, Hire Here—Or Pay Dearly |last= Pyatt |first= Rudolph A. Jr. |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= January 21, 1999 |page= E3 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1707817173/ }} The new bill would reduce monetary penalties for noncompliance, and ban non-compliant companies from doing business with the District for three years.

Mendelson criticized the Council for passing acts as emergency legislation, which bypasses Congressional review and lasts for a short amount of time, even though the acts were not intended to fill temporary or urgent needs.{{cite news |title= Study Urges D.C. Council to Reorganize |first= Vanessa |last= Williams |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= February 8, 1999 |page= B4 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1707151385/ }} Mendelson was opposed to Mayor Anthony Williams' proposal to have a children's theme park on islands in the Anacostia River.{{cite news |title= Fast Decision Urged on Children's Island Park |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= February 14, 1999 |page= C3 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/408446249/}}

From 2005 to 2012{{Cite web|url=http://dcclims1.dccouncil.us/mendelson//judiciary_committee.htm|title=Councilmember Phil Mendelson - News|website=dcclims1.dccouncil.us|access-date=2019-08-29}} Mendelson served as the chair of the DC Council's Committee on the Judiciary. In 2011 he supported the effort to establish an elected attorney general{{Cite web|url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/An-Elected-Attorney-General-for-DC-80751072.html|title=Elected Attorney General Possible for DC|last=Sherwood|first=Tom|date=January 5, 2010 |publisher=WRC-TV|language=en|access-date=2019-08-29}}{{Cite web|url=http://lims.dccouncil.us:80/legislation?identifier=PR19-0145|title=PR19-0145 - Elected Attorney General Referendum Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2011.|website=lims.dccouncil.us|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-29}} and pushed for an independent Forensic Science Crime Lab.{{Cite web|url=https://www.govtech.com/dc/articles/DC-Crime-Lab-An-Experiment-in-Forensic-Science-Second-of-Two-Parts.html|title=D.C. Crime Lab: An Experiment in Forensic Science (Second of Two Parts)|website=www.govtech.com|date=November 27, 2012|language=en|access-date=2019-08-29}}

Mendelson was re-elected in 2002, 2006, and 2010.

In 2012, Kwame Brown resigned from the position of Chair of the Council.{{cite news |title= D.C. Council Chairman Kwame Brown resigns after he is charged with bank fraud |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= June 6, 2012 |first1= Del Quentin |last1= Wilber |first2= Tim |last2= Craig |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/2012/06/06/gJQAUXJqIV_story.html }} In a vote of 11 to 1, the Council voted to appoint Mendelson to the position of interim Chair of the Council.{{cite news |title= Mendelson, Brown chosen to lead D.C. Council amid acrimonious debate |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= June 13, 2012 |first= Tim |last= Craig |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/phil-mendelson-selected-as-dc-council-leader/2012/06/13/gJQAlma0ZV_story.html }} In a special election held in November 2012, Mendelson was elected by District voters to the position of Chair of the Council.{{cite news |title= The Council Shuffle Begins |last= Phipps-Evans |first= Michelle |work= Washington Informer |location= Washington, D.C. |date= November 15, 2012 |page= 5 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/1237128014/ }} He was elected to a full term as chair in 2014.

From a regional standpoint, Mendelson worked with his counterparts in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties to increase the minimum wage.{{Cite web|url=https://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-how-dc-and-two-maryland-counties-coordinated-their-minimum-wage-hikes.html|title=How D.C. and 2 Maryland Counties Coordinated a Minimum Wage Hike|date=December 9, 2013|website=Governing the states and localities}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/plan-would-give-dc-and-maryland-suburbs-the-nations-highest-minimum-wage-by-2016/2013/10/09/58ee4d6c-30f3-11e3-89ae-16e186e117d8_story.html|title=Plan would raise minimum wage for half of D.C. region to $11.50 by 2016|date=October 9, 2013|newspaper=The Washington Post}}

Mendelson has received national attention for his work to bring Budget Autonomy for the District,{{Cite news|url=https://www.rollcall.com/news/policy/long-strange-case-d-c-budget-autonomy|title=What a Long, Strange Case: D.C. Budget Autonomy|last=Dick|first=Jason|date=2016-03-28 |language=en }}{{Cite web|url=https://chairmanmendelson.com/2016/03/18/chairman-mendelsons-statement-on-budget-autonomy-decision/|title=Chairman Mendelson's Statement on Budget Autonomy Decision – Chairman Phil Mendelson|date=March 18, 2016 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-29}} the city's laws on gun control{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-will-not-appeal-gun-law-to-supreme-court/2017/10/05/e0e7c054-a9d0-11e7-850e-2bdd1236be5d_story.html|title=DC Will Not Appeal Gun Law To Supreme Court|date=October 5, 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post}} and same-sex marriage legalization.{{Cite web|url=http://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/B18-0482|title=Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009|date=October 6, 2009|website=DC Council}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/15/AR2009121500945.html?sid=ST2010051305030|title=D.C. Council approves same-sex marriage bill|date=December 16, 2009|newspaper=The Washington Post}}

File:Phil Mendelson Portrait (cropped).jpg

In 2016, Mendelson overhauled Mayor Bowser's plan to close DC General homeless shelter and build multiple smaller shelters in its place. He shepherded Universal Paid Leave through the Council.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nationalpartnership.org/our-impact/news-room/press-statements/dc-council-approves-smart-fair-comprehensive-paid-leave-program-the-district-needs-and-deserves-womens-leader-says.html|title=D.C. Council Approves 'Smart, Fair, Comprehensive' Paid Leave Program the District Needs and Deserves, Women's Leader Says|website=www.nationalpartnership.org|language=en|access-date=2019-08-29}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/council-votes-down-radical-restructuring-of-paid-leave/2016/12/20/8a508618-c6cd-11e6-bf4b-2c064d32a4bf_story.html|title=D.C. Council votes for expansive paid family and medical leave for private-sector workers|date=December 20, 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post}}

Mendelson ran for a third term, facing progressive challenger Ed Lazere, and won renomination with 63% of the vote.{{cite news |last= Jamison |first=Peter |date=January 24, 2018 |title= Head of influential think tank to challenge D.C. Council chairman|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/head-of-influential-think-tank-to-challenge-dc-council-chairman/2018/01/23/56025c52-0087-11e8-9d31-d72cf78dbeee_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=January 24, 2018}} He won the general election over Libertarian candidate Ethan Bishop-Henchman.{{cite news |last= Mellendorf |first=Hallie |date=November 6, 2018|title= Head of influential think tank to challenge D.C. Council chairman|url=https://wtop.com/local-politics-elections-news/2018/11/dc-council-at-large-seats/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=November 8, 2018}}

In 2019, Mendelson proposed changes that would significantly limit the ability for the public to access government records through the Freedom of Information Act. Mendelson claimed that the changes were necessary to limit frivolous requests while activists insisted that the changes would prevent the public from uncovering fraud, waste, and abuses. Mendelson was also criticized for introducing the changes as a technical amendment, not separate legislation, which would require a public hearing.{{cite news |title= FOIA restrictions would shield D.C. officials who use email for personal business |newspaper=The Washington Post |first= Peter |last= Jamison |date= May 8, 2019 |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/foia-restrictions-would-shield-dc-officials-who-use-email-for-personal-business/2019/05/08/f8290df8-70e5-11e9-8be0-ca575670e91c_story.html?noredirect=on }}

Mendelson was an active proponent for a no-bid, sole-source contract to launch the District's sports betting program. Mendelson insisted that a competitive bid for the $215 million contract would result in unacceptable delays of two to three years. He downplayed the inexperience of local partners and claimed that any award would risk conflicts of interest.{{cite news |last=Nirappil |first= Fenit|date=July 9, 2019 |title=D.C. Council approves no-bid sports gambling contract

|url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-council-approves-no-bid-sports-gambling-contract/2019/07/09/fdd994fe-a1d5-11e9-bd56-eac6bb02d01d_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=July 9, 2019 }} After the Council narrowly approved the bid, it was discovered that the main local partner had no employees and was led by a Maryland resident.{{cite news |last= Thompson|first= Steve|date= August 28, 2019|title=The little firm that got a big chunk of D.C.'s lottery and sports gambling contract has no employees |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/the-little-firm-that-got-a-big-chunk-of-dcs-sports-gambling-contract-has-no-employees/2019/08/28/af5daf84-afd3-11e9-8e77-03b30bc29f64_story.html?arc404=true |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=August 28, 2019 }}

After 3 years of budget battles, Mendelson was finally able to fully fund the Tipped Worker Fairness Act of 2018{{Cite web|last = King|url = https://wtop.com/dc/2018/10/dc-council-officially-overturns-initiative-77-killing-minimum-wage-increase/|title = DC Council officially overturns Initiative 77, killing minimum-wage increase|date = October 16, 2018}} a long-sought compromise bill stemming from the battle over Initiative 77. Among the many additional regulations surrounding hospitality venue operations, this bill formed the Tipped Workers Coordinating Council within the DC government to oversee the implementation of the law and act as a formal body to make policy recommendations to the appropriate District agency.{{Cite web|url=https://does.dc.gov/node/1538641|title = Tipped Workers Coordinating Council | does}} Importantly this council is made up of directors of several District agencies along with 4 seats reserved for workers, 2 appointed by the Mayor and 2 by the DC Council Chairman.{{Cite web|url=https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/sections/32-1009.02.html|title=D.C. Law Library - § 32–1009.02. Tipped Workers Coordinating Council}} Mendelson appointed known hospitality advocate Zachary Hoffman in May 2021 with the other seat vacant for some time.

Mendelson has served as a trustee of the Committee of 100 on the Federal City, a member of the board of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, and as the president of the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.

Mendelson is divorced from Constance G. (Connie) Ridgway.{{cite news |title= Political Potpourri |work= Washington City Paper |first= Mike |last= DeBonis |date= August 1, 2008 |url= http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/35973/vetting-zoo/ }}{{cite news |title= Status Quo Election Limits Council Members' Upward Mobility |first1= Craig |last1= Timberg |first2= Spencer |last2= Hsu |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= November 21, 2002 |page= T2 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/409382154/ }}{{cite news |title= Phil Mendelson beat the odds to run D.C. Will his luck hold in the Trump era?|last1=Jamison |first1=Peter |newspaper= The Washington Post |date=March 4, 2017 |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/phil-mendelson-beat-the-odds-to-run-dc-will-his-luck-hold-in-the-trump-era/2017/03/04/7b4456e2-faec-11e6-9845-576c69081518_story.html}}

Mendelson and Ridgway have a daughter, Adelaide Marie Ridgway-Mendelson, born July 29, 2000.{{cite news |title= Adopting a Baby |last1= Cottman |first1= Michael H. |first2= Sewell |last2= Chan |last3= Leonnig |first3= Carol D. |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= August 10, 2000 |page= J2 |url= https://www.proquest.com/docview/408650717/ }}

Mendelson lives in Capitol Hill.{{cite news|last1=Janezich|first1=Larry|title=City Council Chair Mendelson Purchases Hill East Home Across From Watkins School|url=https://capitolhillcorner.org/2016/09/12/city-council-chair-mendelson-purchases-hill-east-home-across-from-watkins-school/ |work=Capitol Hill Corner |date=September 12, 2016 |access-date=February 17, 2017}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 1996 Council of the District of Columbia, Democratic primary, at-large{{cite web |title=Certified Results, Primary Election, 1996 |work=District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics |date=September 20, 1996 |url=https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/elec_1996/primary_1996_results.asp |access-date=September 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907181315/https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/elec_1996/primary_1996_results.asp |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |url-status=dead }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Harold Brazil

|votes = 17,465

|percentage = 42

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph P. Yeldell

|votes = 9,230

|percentage = 22

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = John Capozzi

|votes = 6,092

|percentage = 15

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Phil Mendelson

|votes = 3,117

|percentage = 7

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Kathryn A. Pearson-West

|votes = 2,015

|percentage = 5

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Paul Savage

|votes = 1,941

|percentage = 5

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Ronnie Edwards

|votes = 791

|percentage = 2

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Ernest E. Johnson

|votes = 664

|percentage = 2

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Write-in

|votes = 258

|percentage = 1

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 1998 Council of the District of Columbia, Democratic primary, at-large{{cite web |title=Certified Results, Primary Election, 1998 |work=District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics |date=September 25, 1998 |url=https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/elec_1998/primary_election.asp |access-date=September 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129082043/https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/elec_1998/primary_election.asp |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |url-status=dead }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Phil Mendelson

|votes = 14,089

|percentage = 17

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Linda Moody

|votes = 11,532

|percentage = 14

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = William H. "Rev" Bennett II

|votes = 11,336

|percentage = 14

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Rice

|votes = 11,087

|percentage = 14

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Phyllis J. Outlaw

|votes = 10,769

|percentage = 13

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Sabrina Sojourner

|votes = 9,725

|percentage = 12

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Don Reeves

|votes = 4,130

|percentage = 5

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Charles Gaither

|votes = 3,721

|percentage = 5

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Greg Rhett

|votes = 2,646

|percentage = 3

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Kathryn A. Pearson-West

|votes = 2,485

|percentage = 3

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Write-in

|votes = 718

|percentage = 1

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 1998 Council of the District of Columbia general election, at-large{{cite web |title=Certified Results, General Election, 1998 |work=District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics |date=November 13, 1998 |url=https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/elec_1998/general_election.asp |access-date=September 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020512/https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/elec_1998/general_election.asp |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |url-status=dead }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Phil Mendelson

|votes = 71,799

|percentage = 37

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = David A. Catania

|votes = 40,200

|percentage = 21

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = D.C. Statehood Party

|candidate = Hilda Mason

|votes = 28,615

|percentage = 15

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent (politician)

|candidate = Beverly J. Wilbourn

|votes = 22,946

|percentage = 12

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent (politician)

|candidate = Malik Z. Shabazz

|votes = 15,644

|percentage = 8

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Umoja Party

|candidate = Mark Thompson

|votes = 9,733

|percentage = 5

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent (politician)

|candidate = Sandra "SS" Seegars

|votes = 2,764

|percentage = 1

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party =

|candidate = Write-in

|votes = 648

|percentage = 0

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2002 Council of the District of Columbia, Democratic primary, at-large{{cite web |title=Certified Results, Primary Election, 2002 |work=District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics |date=September 20, 2002 |url=https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/elec_2002/Primary.asp |access-date=September 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905213359/https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/elec_2002/Primary.asp |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |url-status=dead }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Phil Mendelson

|votes = 38,681

|percentage = 43

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Beverly Wilbourn

|votes = 26,379

|percentage = 29

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Dwight E. Singleton

|votes = 16,749

|percentage = 19

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = M. Muhammad Shabazz

|votes = 4,098

|percentage = 5

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Al-Malik Farrakhan

|votes = 3,655

|percentage = 4

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Write-in

|votes = 933

|percentage = 1

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2002 Council of the District of Columbia general election, at-large{{cite web |title=Certified Results, General Election, 2002 |work=District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics |date=November 21, 2002 |url=https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/elec_2002/htmldocs/candidate.asp |access-date=September 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129081504/https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/elec_2002/htmldocs/candidate.asp |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |url-status=dead }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Phil Mendelson

|votes = 90,316

|percentage = 47

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = David A. Catania

|votes = 51,698

|percentage = 27

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent (politician)

|candidate = Eugene Dewitt Kinlow

|votes = 17,522

|percentage = 9

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = D.C. Statehood Green Party

|candidate = Michele Tingling-Clemmons

|votes = 13,828

|percentage = 7

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent (politician)

|candidate = Chris Ray

|votes = 5,879

|percentage = 3

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent (politician)

|candidate = A.D. "Tony" Dominguez

|votes = 4,395

|percentage = 2

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent (politician)

|candidate = Ahmad Braxton-Jones

|votes = 3,708

|percentage = 2

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent (politician)

|candidate = Kweku Toure

|votes = 3,304

|percentage = 2

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party =

|candidate = Write-in

|votes = 1,115

|percentage = 1

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2006 Council of the District of Columbia, Democratic primary, at-large{{cite web |title=Certified Results, Primary Election, 2006 |work=District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics |date=September 26, 2006 |url=https://www.dcboee.org/pdf_files/ey2006_primary_summary.pdf |access-date=September 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303175654/http://www.dcboee.org/pdf_files/ey2006_primary_summary.pdf |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=dead }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Phil Mendelson

|votes = 62,776

|percentage = 64

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = A. Scott Bolden

|votes = 35,486

|percentage = 36

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Write-in

|votes = 468

|percentage = 0

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2006 Council of the District of Columbia general election, at-large{{cite web |title=Certified Results, General Election, 2006 |work=District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics |date=November 21, 2006 |url=https://www.dcboee.org/pdf_files/Summary_General_2006.pdf |access-date=September 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923213045/http://www.dcboee.org/pdf_files/Summary_General_2006.pdf |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |url-status=dead }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Phil Mendelson

|votes = 90,599

|percentage = 51

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent (politician)

|candidate = David A. Catania

|votes = 58,293

|percentage = 33

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = D.C. Statehood Green Party

|candidate = Ann C. Wilcox

|votes = 12,390

|percentage = 7

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent (politician)

|candidate = Antonio "Tony" Dominguez

|votes = 8,759

|percentage = 5

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Marcus Skelton

|votes = 8,199

|percentage = 5

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party =

|candidate = Write-in

|votes = 912

|percentage = 1

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Council of the District of Columbia, Democratic primary, at-large{{cite web |title=Certified Results, Primary Election, 2010 |work= District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics |date=September 29, 2010 |url= https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/results_2010.asp?prev=0&electionid=4&result_type=3 }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Phil Mendelson

|votes = 77,127

|percentage = 63

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Michael D. Brown

|votes = 34,829

|percentage = 28

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Dorothy Douglas

|votes = 6,922

|percentage = 6

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Write-in

|votes = 812

|percentage = 1

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2010 Council of the District of Columbia, general election, at-large{{cite web |title=Certified Results, General Election, 2010 |work=District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics |date=November 19, 2010 |url=https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/general_election_results/2010 |access-date=September 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123024236/https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/general_election_results/2010 |archive-date=November 23, 2015 |url-status=dead }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Phil Mendelson

|votes = 105,296

|percentage = 56

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent (politician)

|candidate = David A. Catania

|votes = 57,163

|percentage = 31

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = D.C. Statehood Green Party

|candidate = David Schwartzman

|votes = 12,697

|percentage = 7

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent (politician)

|candidate = Richard Urban

|votes = 9,668

|percentage = 5

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party =

|candidate = Write-in

|votes = 1,839

|percentage = 1

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2012 Council of the District of Columbia, Chair, Special Election{{cite web |title= Certified Results, Special Election, 2012 |work= District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics |date= April 14, 2014 |url= https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/2012/November-6-General-Election/ |access-date= September 19, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150106040646/https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/2012/November-6-General-Election/ |archive-date= January 6, 2015 |url-status= dead }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Phil Mendelson

|votes = 174,742

|percentage = 71

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Calvin H. Gurley

|votes = 69,342

|percentage = 28

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Write-in

|votes = 3,017

|percentage = 1

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2014 Council of the District of Columbia, Democratic primary, chair{{cite web |title= Certified Results, Primary Election, 2014 |work= District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics |date= April 23, 2014 |url= https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/2014/April-1-Primary-Election |access-date= September 19, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140412074919/https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/2014/April-1-Primary-Election |archive-date= April 12, 2014 |url-status= dead }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Phil Mendelson

|votes = 69,138

|percentage = 81

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Calvin H. Gurley

|votes = 15,178

|percentage = 18

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Write-in

|votes = 825

|percentage = 1

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2014 Council of the District of Columbia general election, chair{{cite web |title= Certified Results, General Election, 2014 |work= District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics |date= December 3, 2014 |url= https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/2014/November-4-General-Election |access-date= September 18, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151220165436/https://www.dcboee.org/election_info/election_results/2014/November-4-General-Election |archive-date= December 20, 2015 |url-status= dead }}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Phil Mendelson

|votes = 138,066

|percentage = 78

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Kris Hammond

|votes = 12,114

|percentage = 7

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent (politician)

|candidate = John C. Cheeks

|votes = 6,949

|percentage = 4

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = D.C. Statehood Green Party

|candidate = G. Lee Aikin

|votes = 5,930

|percentage = 3

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = Kyle Walker

|votes = 3,674

|percentage = 2

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party =

|candidate = Write-in

|votes = 849

|percentage = 0

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2018 Council of the District of Columbia, Democratic primary, chair{{cite web |title= Certified Results, Primary Election, 2018 |work= District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics |date=June 19, 2018 |url= https://electionresults.dcboe.org/election_results/2018-Primary-Election |access-date= April 12, 2022}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Phil Mendelson

|votes = 48,848

|percentage = 63.02

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Ed Lazere

|votes = 28,280

|percentage = 36.48

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Write-in

|votes = 384

|percentage = 0.5

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change

| title = 2018 Council of the District of Columbia general election, chair{{cite web |title= Certified Results, General Election, 2018 |work= District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics |date= November 15, 2018 |url= https://electionresults.dcboe.org/election_results/2018-General-Election |access-date= April 12, 2022}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Phil Mendelson

|votes = 198,639

|percentage = 89.13

}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Libertarian Party (United States)

|candidate = Ethan Bishop-Henchman

|votes = 18,708

|percentage = 8.39

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party =

|candidate = Write-in

|votes = 5,516

|percentage = 2.48

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070808005435/http://www.dccouncil.us/Mendelson/ Website of Councilmember Phil Mendelson]
• {{C-SPAN|1029338}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-par|us-dc}}

{{s-bef|before=Hilda Mason}}

{{s-ttl|title=Member of the Council of the District of Columbia
At-Large|years=1999–2012}}

{{s-aft|after=Anita Bonds}}

|-

{{s-off}}

{{s-bef|before=Kwame Brown}}

{{s-ttl|title=Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia|years=2012–present}}

{{s-inc}}

{{s-end}}

{{District of Columbia political officials}}

{{Current Council of the District of Columbia}}

{{DCCouncilChairmen}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Mendelson, Phil}}

Category:1952 births

Category:Living people

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