John A. Nevius Julius Hobson 29,249 15,427 25.08% 13.23% | 68,166 29,249 58.44% 25.08% Start date March 23, 1971 | |
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The 1971 special congressional election for the Delegate from the District of Columbia was held on March 23, 1971. This was the first election for the newly re-created district since Norton P. Chipman (R) briefly held the seat during the Reconstruction Era. The winner of the race was Walter E. Fauntroy (D). After serving his remaining term in 92nd United States Congress, he would continue to be re-elected until he stepped down to run for mayor in the 1990 election.
The non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives from the District of Columbia is elected for two-year terms, as are all other Representatives and Delegates minus the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, who is elected to a four-year term.
Candidates
Walter E. Fauntroy, a Democrat, sought election for his first term to the United States House of Representatives. Fauntroy was opposed in this election by Republican challenger John A. Nevius, who received 25.08%, and Statehood Party candidate Julius Hobson who received 13.23%. This resulted in Fauntroy being elected with 58.44% of the vote. This is the lowest percentage that a Democratic candidate has received in any election to the District of Columbia's at-large congressional district.