Councilwoman Brooke Pinto released a nearly 70-page opposition research document on Monday that included her opponent’s home address, escalating tensions in the race to replace longtime Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).
Both candidates launched campaigns last year to succeed Norton for the District of Columbia’s nonvoting seat in the House of Representatives, following the delegate’s retirement announcement in January.
The document outlined Councilman Robert White’s voting history and policy positions and accused him of accepting donations from people who also supported President Donald Trump.
The paper also included personal details about White’s family, such as his relatives’ employment and estimated salaries, references to his father’s social media activity, and an image of the family’s home with the address.
White sharply criticized the release, calling it a “blatant violation of basic decency” and urging Pinto to withdraw from the race.
“Brooke Pinto must immediately withdraw from this race,” White said in a statement.
He said Pinto’s publishing a picture of his family home was reckless, pointing to increasing attacks on legislators in their homes.
“It is dangerous, invasive and completely unacceptable,” he added. “Whether driven by political desperation or a profound lack of judgement, this conduct is disturbing and completely disqualifying.”
In a video statement posted Tuesday, White said Pinto was “essentially doxing” him and his family, saying he expected a tough campaign but not one that would “post my home and pictures of my home where I live with my family.”
He warned that the decision to post his personal information comes “at a time where it is increasingly common for people to show up and do harm to lawmakers and their families,” adding that publishing personal details about relatives “that have nothing to do with this campaign” crossed a serious line.
“This is beyond the pale,” White said. “Everybody knows politics is dirty, but even dirty has a line, and [Pinto] just flew past the line with no care or concern.”
TONY GONZALES TO RESIGN FROM HOUSE AMID EXPULSION THREAT OVER AFFAIR WITH LATE STAFFER
White renewed his call for Pinto to exit the race, saying, “You need to withdraw from this campaign. We should not be running a campaign like this in D.C.”
The contest marks a pivotal transition for the district, as Norton, 88, the second-oldest member of Congress, steps down after more than three decades in office, during which she was a leading advocate for statehood for the district.
