Brianne Nadeau is a Democratic politician representing Ward 1 on the Council of the District of Columbia since her election in 2014. She defeated longtime incumbent Jim Graham in the Democratic primary and won the general election with nearly 80% of the vote, becoming the first woman to represent Ward 1 and the first D.C. Councilmember to give birth while in office. Nadeau grew up in Michigan as the oldest of three daughters in a family committed to civic activism, attended public schools K-12, and was a Girl Scout earning the Gold Award. She lives in Park View with her husband Jayson and daughters Zoe and Madeline, and her family attends Temple Micah Storefront Project Shabbat services.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Boston College in 2002 and a master's degree in public policy from American University in 2006.
• Early Career: Worked as a scheduler for Congressman John Sarbanes of Maryland; served as a public relations consultant and vice president at Rabinowitz Communications promoting progressive causes; provided counsel to faith-based, Democratic, and environmental nonprofits; board member of Jews United for Justice and active in the D.C. chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.
• Community Involvement: Began in Ward 1 with the Meridian Hill Neighborhood Association and Orange Hat Patrol for cleanups and safety; elected to Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B in 2006, serving two terms as chair, advocating for small businesses, pedestrian safety, abandoned property abatement, and developer accountability.
• Council Service: Reelected for a third term; chairs the Committee on Public Works and Operations; previously chaired Committee on Human Services for six years, making historic investments to end homelessness, expand cash assistance, enhance disability services, and support direct care workers; serves on committees including Health, Recreation/Libraries/Youth Affairs, and Facilities/Family Services.
• Notable Achievements: Prioritizes affordable housing expansion, public safety , school strengthening, government transparency/ethics , renter protections, tenant rights, illegal construction inspections, small business support, crime prevention via violence interrupters, after-school programs, and job training; improved Columbia Heights Civic Plaza with community navigators and a sobering center.