iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Interested in working in the Ward 1 DC Council office? While right now, we're focused on the general election, we're also gauging interest from people dedicated to fighting for a better Ward 1 in the Council office if we win. Share your interest by November 8 here: airtable.com/app5UvQUZgEw...

Graphic that reads "Want to work with us? (If we win the general election in November" -- Share your interest by November 8th"

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

People turned OUT for last night’s Ward One for All town hall for Park View & Pleasant Plains at Hook Hall (& feat. SBOE Ward 1 rep Ben Williams)! There was lots of energy around expanding tenant protections, renovating the Park View Rec Center, ending MPD collaboration with ICE, and more 💥

Photo of Aparna shaking hands with and speaking to some seniors attending the Hook Hall event

Photo of a crowd of 50-60 people at Hook Hall with some raising their hands

Photo of SBOE rep Ben Williams speaking into a microphone on stage at Hook Hall

Photo of Aparna on stage speaking into a microphone at hook hall with tables of attendees listening

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

One year after the occupation started, and it’s dangerously escalating. A surge of armed troops and a helicopter at a school don’t make families feel safe, they just serve to intimidate and keep people living in fear. www.washingtonsun.com/metro/dc-fed...

washingtonsun.com

Neighbors Upset Over Federal Agents’ Presence at D.C. School

Agents and National Guard troops handed out fliers outside a Northwest elementary school, as a helicopter hovered overhead.

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The power of a union! ✊🏾 This is so cool for the Spirit & NWSL and shows how organized workers can bargain for working conditions that meet their needs. As Councilmember, I'll fight to support both new families and workers' ability to form a union. www.washingtonsun.com/sports/spiri...

washingtonsun.com

The Spirit’s New Moms Navigate the Season with Babies in Tow

A league policy allows players to have their babies — and in some cases, their spouses — travel with the team.

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

“Politics isn’t about just doing what’s popular, it’s about making what’s right popular.” @abdulelsayed.bsky.social’s 2018 campaign inspired me in ways I didn’t even realize at the time. I can’t wait to have him in the Senate!

Photo of Aparna and Abdul smiling at the camera at metrobar

Photo of Saul and Abdul speaking at metrobar and pointing at someone

Photo of Aparna talking to people at metrobar

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Last night, we met with neighbors from U Street, LeDroit Park, and Shaw to hear their priorities around housing, economic development, government services, and more. Thank you to everyone who came out to share your ideas for a Ward 1 for All! 💭💛

Photo of two emcees standing at a podium that reads “Aparna for DC” and speaking into microphones

Photo of Aparna and an audience member standing in a room full of people and holding mics to speak

Photo of Aparna and an attendee smiling and talking to each other

Photo of an attendee writing something down next to a board that reads “housing” with different sticky notes

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

All across the Ward this weekend with Art All Night in Mount Pleasant, U Street, and Shaw, and then Adams Morgan Day! ✨🎨 Art is joyful, but it’s also political and we’re so lucky to have so many incredible artists in Ward 1 and DC.

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Between the closure of MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s postpartum unit, and cuts at Unity Health Care, private health companies prioritizing their profits over patients puts us all at risk. Joined @nationalnurses.bsky.social, @dcjwj.bsky.social, and community members last night to push back.

Photo of a group of about 100 people in a church holding up fists and smiling at the camera, with a banner in front that says “RNs: Strong Unions, Protect Our Patients”

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Thousands of people in the DC area would be affected if TPS for El Salvador expires. I'm glad it's in tact for now, but this constant instability is another part of the cruelty this administration has inflicted on immigrants who have built their lives here and are undoubtedly part of our community.

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Kick off fall with us! 🏈 It’s football season, and opening weekend is a matchup between the Washington Commanders and divisional rival, and my favorite team from growing up in PA, the Philadelphia Eagles (🫣). Join us for a watch party at Midlands on Sunday! www.mobilize.us/dashboard/ap...

Eagles vs Commanders; Opening weekend watch party; Midlands Beer Garden, Sunday, September 13 from 4:30pm-7:30pm

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Happy Labor Day! ✊🏾 A more affordable DC means giving workers more power. Today, I joined @DCLabor at the Greenbelt Labor Day parade and Friday I joined a seminar about how local government can partner with worker orgs and unions to co-enforce labor law.

Photo of Aparna and 6 other speakers smiling in front of a Georgetown Law banner

Photo of Aparna and Metro Washington Council leadership marching together and smiling

Photo of the IUPAT group with their banner and signs

Photo of the full group of labor attendees with banners and signs for the Metro Washington Labor Council, ATU, and IUPAT

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

We often talk about what our government should be, but with @janeese4dc.bsky.social as our next mayor, we can dream about what our government could be. 💜 Last night’s @janeese4dc.bsky.social Ward 1 listening session brought neighbors together around housing, good jobs, childcare and more!

Photo of Aparna, Janeese, Ward 1 SBOE rep Ben Williams, and Reverend Rob Keithan from All Souls

Photo of Aparna talking to some Ward 1 residents in the pews of All Souls

Photo of people sitting in the pews raising their hands at the end of the listening session

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Buwa is close with Mayor Bowser and is notorious for having buildings with terrible conditions. Glad to see another pro-tenant suit from the AG and for an eventual end to this pay to play dynamic when our new Mayor takes office. Housing should meet people’s needs, not serve as a profit scheme.

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Thankfully, Ward 1 (and DC in general) have so many incredible local cafes that it is incredibly easy to respect the boycott. Solidarity with the workers! No contract, no coffee ✊🏾

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Happy first day of school DC! 📚 Supporting our youth means supporting them all year: community schools, after school programs & third spaces, nurses & counselors, quick facilities repairs, economic stability, and so much more. That’s what I’ll fight for as Ward 1 Councilmember.

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Reposted by Aparna Raj

Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò @olufemiotaiwo.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

"The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had previously denied involvement in the January 2024 killing, saying months later that a preliminary investigation found its forces were “not present near the vehicle or within firing range” of the vehicle." www.cnn.com/2026/08/19/m...

cnn.com

Israeli military admits for first time to firing on car carrying 5-year-old Hind Rajab, opens criminal probe | CNN

The Israeli military acknowledged for the first time on Wednesday that it opened fire on the vehicle carrying 5-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza and said it had opened a criminal investigation into the 202...

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Thank you to Sunrise on the Hill for having me on last week to talk about DC living under Trump’s occupation for one year. One year of armed troops walking our streets while federal agents disappear our neighbors. But we continue to organize and protect each other.

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

This is why we call it an occupation. Even if it seems like the National Guard "aren't doing anything," them simply being here, as an armed militarized presence, is meant to intimidate us and squash dissent, especially at the same time other federal agents are disappearing neighbors.

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

HUGE news. Malcolm X Park has been sorely missed by community members and organizers. Excited to have the heart of Ward 1 back for all the picnics, teach-ins, clothing swaps, protests, and more to come!

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

The Justice Department of one of the world's worst criminals has no standing to talk about public safety, or quite frankly, anything. Just wasting money that could go to providing people with food assistance or health care or housing to instead have armed troops intimidate their own citizens.

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

For the past year, Washingtonians have lived under federal occupation. But in this time we’ve also seen the real DC: one of solidarity over fear, courage over compliance, and collective action over silence. Statehood now. Free DC ✊🏾

Graphic that reads "
For the past year, Washingtonians have lived under federal occupation. As we live with the daily reality of armed troops on our streets, we’ve also seen federal agents detain our neighbors, mass layoffs of federal workers, and efforts to criminalize Black and brown youth.

But we've also seen the real DC: neighbors protecting neighbors, volunteers walking kids to school, and organizers showing up and fighting back against political repression. Across the District, people have chosen solidarity over fear, courage over compliance, and collective action over silence.

For our safety, for democracy, and for our economy, we need the right to govern ourselves.

Statehood now. Free DC ✊🏾"

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

We’re getting the band back together! ⚡️ The general election is in 86 days, and we want to hear from you! That’s why we’re launching the Ward One for All Tour. Come meet me, ask any questions, and share thoughts about the Ward! RSVP: www.mobilize.us/aparnafordc/

Graphic with the Ward 1 for All tour, which includes dates for each of the events;
September 14 - U Street, Shaw, LeDroit Park
September 28 - Park View & Pleasant Plains
October 5 - Columbia Heights
October 19 - Mount Pleasant
October 26 - Adams Morgan

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

When I say we can fight for a better DC for all, I mean all. During this slow period before the general, I’m extremely fortunate to be able to attend an immersive Spanish school in Guatemala for the month of August to better connect with my Spanish-speaking neighbors in Ward 1!

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

We’re in a cost of living crisis- we need to elect more union members!

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Back to school is coming up! 🎒☀️ Was excited to join staff and parents at Cleveland Elementary, as well as some community and gov’t partners for a walkthrough, to meet the new principal and talk about programming, facilities, and safety.

Photo of Aparna and a group of parents, staff, and government reps standing outside Cleveland Elementary School

Photo of three people standing across the street from the UNCF building and Shaw metro

Photo of a group of people standing outside Compass Coffee and Cracked Eggery

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Corporate influence on politics erodes democracy and makes life less affordable. From pharmaceutical companies fighting universal healthcare, to oil & gas corps fueling the climate crisis, to DoorDash now trying to end DC autonomy. It's working people vs the oligarchy.

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Had a great time chatting with folks at this weekend’s @dcdemocrats.bsky.social Unity Breakfast! Voters have made it clear that they want a Democratic Party that fights for working people over corporations and the wealthy, and I’m excited for us to be united in that vision. ✊🏾

Photo of Aparna and Janeese Lewis George smiling at the camera at the Unity Breakfast

Photo of Aparna talking to an attendee at the breakfast

Photo of Aparna talking to Ricardo, an attendee at the breakfast

Photo of Aparna and some AFGE leaders standing and smiling at the camera

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Congratulations @elissasilverman.bsky.social on officially being sworn in to Council! I’m excited for this progressive wave and to work together next year to make DC more affordable, give workers more power, and make the government work for all of us, not just the wealthy few.

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Johan Sebastián Guerrero and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo should be alive today. Tonight, I joined a vigil for in their honor in Columbia Heights. Abolish ICE.

Photo from above of an ofrenda for Johan and Lorenzo

Photo of Aparna speaking into an microphone at the vigil

Photo of a woman holding a banner that reads “everybody vs ICE” with a crowd of people behind them

Photo of a large crowd of people in the plaza with a speaker in the center

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

"We talk about the affordability crisis and that again bears down on the queer and trans community especially... queer and trans people specifically are more likely to live in poverty." I'm ready to fight for the LGBTQ+ community in DC. 🏳️‍🌈 www.washingtonblade.com/2026/07/14/a...

washingtonblade.com

Aparna Raj expected to become second LGBTQ member of D.C. Council

Winner of primary would also be first Asian American to serve on body

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Reposted by Aparna Raj

Ben Collins @bencollins.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

No hell too hot. www.sunjournal.com/2026/07/13/i...

The little girl was still in Bluey pajamas.

No older than 3, she was trying to smell the flowers.

At her side, a pink rolling bag.

Her father, Joan Sebastian Guerrero, had just been fatally shot and yanked from a car he’d been driving. Now, he lay handcuffed in the street, where he would remain for five hours.

“You took her dad, you took her dad!” a woman nearby yelled, according to Cecelia Humiston, 22, who witnessed the interaction in Biddeford on Monday morning.

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

From yesterday’s goodbye party for the Purple Patch & Nido streatery. 💜 Streateries foster community, increase accessibility, and bring in revenue for small businesses. I hope DDOT & DOB reconsider, but either way I’m ready to work with our new mayor to bring streateries back.

Photo of Patrice from Purple Patch and Aparna smiling at the camera in front of a streatery

Photo of Aparna and some neighbors talking in front of the Purple Patch storefront

Photo of Patrice from Purple Patch and other staff speaking about the streatery

Photo of Stu and Aparna holding drinks and smiling standing in front of the streatery

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Reposted by Aparna Raj

ACLU @aclu.org · 04/07/2026

We commemorate the 250th anniversary of this nation by carrying on the American tradition of dissent. Challenging those in power is woven into the very fabric of our nation.

Blue graphic with white text reading "dissent is patriotic" and red columns with white stars on the right and left sides

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Without statehood, DC bears the brunt of this authoritarian regime. 250 years later, the fight for liberation continues.

While DC serves as host for America’s 250, an anniversary ostensibly about freedom from tyranny, we are subject to a federal government occupying our neighborhoods, denying us statehood, and terrorizing our communities.

Today, we commemorate the United States — not through celebrating petty tyrants, but by embodying the revolutionary ideals embedded in our Constitution that have carried previous generations through different struggles in history: people who came together and fought for a better future without knowing if they would ever see it.

Even in our darkest moments, a better world is possible, and it is on us to see it through.

250 years later, the fight against authoritarianism and for liberation continues.

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

The climate crisis is directly connected to, and as urgent as, the cost of living crisis and should be treated as such. We need to uphold our climate & renewable energy commitments, invest in public transit, and eventually move to public power.

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

This is an important check on Trump’s attempts to entrench racist and xenophobic authoritarian rule. Birthright citizenship has defined this country since reconstruction and this decision will protect countless people, especially people of color. But this should have been a unanimous decision.

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Reposted by Aparna Raj

More Perfect Union @moreperfectunion.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

BREAKING: The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional definition of birthright citizenship — meaning all children born in the United States are U.S. citizens.

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

From DC to NY, people see democratic socialists as the candidates who will fight for working people in the face of growing fascism and complacent neoliberalism. Go @socialists.nyc! Excited to have more allies for DC in Congress 🌹

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Reposted by Aparna Raj

Lead Locally @leadlocally.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

We could not be prouder of @aparnafordc.bsky.social for her people-powered campaign and victory!

A woman with brown skin and dark hair is smiling in a light dress

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Reposted by Aparna Raj

The 51st @51st.news · 22/06/2026

NEWS: Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social has won the Democratic primary election for the Ward 1 D.C. Council seat. It's the ward’s first race without an incumbent in more than three decades, Sam Delgado @samdelgado.bsky.social reports. 51st.news/aparna-raj-w...

51st.news

Aparna Raj wins the Ward 1 Democratic primary race

The democratic socialist won with 52% of the vote after four rounds of tabulation under ranked-choice voting.

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Reposted by Aparna Raj

Miguel for Ward 1 @miguelward1.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

I just called @aparnafordc.bsky.social to congratulate her & to make plans to put our heads together on pressing priorities for our ward! We both know that DC gov needs to show up better for Ward 1. I’m so proud to have championed our neighbors in this race & to finally see RCV in action! 🩵

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Thank you, Ward 1. From the beginning, this campaign has been about building something bigger - to not just improve people's lives, but to give working people more power in a system so stacked against us. It's an honor to be your Democratic nominee for Councilmember.

Photo of a big crowd of people smiling at the camera and holding up 1s at Aparna Raj's election night watch party

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Happy pride, DC! 🏳️‍🌈💖

Photo of Aparna wearing a skirt with multicolor brush strokes and holding up a bi pride fan

Photo of a poster that reads “Trans liberation, not more US invasion; no pride in war”

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

This Juneteenth, I was so excited to join last night’s celebration in Harrison Park and celebrate today’s grand opening of Urban Garden Brewing, DC’s first Black woman-owned brewery! 🍻💐 The chamolite beer is 🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾

Photo of Aparna and a couple friends outside UGB smiling at the camera

Photo of Eamoni of UGB and some other community members smiling in front of the UGB mural after the ribbon cutting

Photo of Aparna and friend and organizer Ty outside Harrison Park

Photo from behind of the massive crowd and band at Harrison Park

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

A majority of the first round is in, and things look very very good. Here’s what we know so far as we wait for final calls! And shoutout to La Tejana for the perfect morning-after-election-night tacos ☀️🌮

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Reposted by Aparna Raj

Josh Jacobson @districtjosh.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Good morning DC! Congratulations to @aparnafordc.bsky.social for a sizable lead that will likely lead to victory! She ran an impressive field operation, and her win is well-deserved. Here are some maps. Aparna swept every single precinct in Ward 1. Highest was 55% in Columbia Heights. (1/3)

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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

To everyone who has come out to support us, volunteered, knocked doors, hosted events, donated, voted- THANK YOU! This movement is powered by every one of you who believe that we can have a better Ward 1! Join us tonight: www.mobilize.us/aparnafordc/...

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