Fenty wins D.C. primary

D.C. Council member Adrian M. Fenty last night won the Democratic nomination for mayor, effectively winning the office and becoming the District’s youngest chief executive.

With 130 of 142 precincts reporting, Mr. Fenty, 35, had 51,125 votes, or 57.22 percent. His nearest competitor, council Chairman Linda W. Cropp, had 27,829 votes, or 31.15 percent. She was followed by former Verizon executive Marie C. Johns, who had 7,054 votes, or 7.9 percent, and council member Vincent B. Orange Sr., with 2,530 votes, or 2.83 percent.

Mr. Fenty arrived at his victory party on Florida Avenue in Northwest at about 8:30 p.m. Flanked by his family and council member Jim Graham, Ward 1 Democrat, a jubilant Mr. Fenty greeted a throng of several hundred supporters with his victory speech about 10:15 p.m.

“To all of you here and to everyone watching at home, this victory belongs to you,” he said. “Today, together, you have earned the Democratic nomination for the District of Columbia.”

Mr. Fenty said that Mrs. Cropp called him and conceded shortly after 10 p.m.

He also said she pledged to support him as he prepares for November’s general election, in which he will face real-estate agent David Kranich, a Republican, and community activist Chris Otten, of the Statehood-Green Party.

The Fenty party was held in a tent on a lot across the street from his campaign headquarters. No food or drinks were served.

At the Capital Hilton at 16th and K streets Northwest, Mrs. Cropp arrived at 10:15 p.m. for her concession speech. She was greeted with loud applause, clapping and cheers of “Linda! Linda!”

She hugged and kissed supporters, flanked by Mayor Anthony A. Williams and family and friends.

“I want to congratulate Adrian Fenty. He ran a good campaign, and I will support the Democratic candidate in November,” she said.

Mrs. Cropp noted her 26 years of public service in the District.

“I’ve listened to the hopes of our people for their future and their struggles to get by. These people make me grateful for my career in public service, and they inspire me,” she said.

Mrs. Cropp, who has led the council since 1997, likely will be succeeded by Vincent C. Gray, the Ward 7 council member who won the Democratic nomination for council chairman.

With 130 of 142 precincts reporting, Mr. Gray had 49,929 votes, or 58.03 percent of the vote, and council member Kathy Patterson of Ward 3, had 35,886 votes, or 41.71 percent. Seventy-four percent of D.C. voters are registered Democrats, and the winner is assured of election.

The mayor’s race had pitted a longtime political veteran against a relative newcomer.

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