DC Mayoral Race Competitive, Not Necessarily Close

The general election for mayor of Washington could end up as the most competitive in the city's history. But that doesn't mean it's actually close.

Democrat Muriel Bowser appears likely to prevail over two well-known independents and three minor candidates. Tuesday's election will conclude an unusually long and largely uneventful general-election campaign that has failed to engage many voters.

Three out of four registered voters in the District of Columbia are Democrats, while just 6 percent are Republicans. Such a built-in advantage appears to be too much for Bowser's opponents to overcome.

Some voters say they're backing her despite concerns about her experience, her cautious record on the D.C. Council and her sometimes vague campaign platform.

Polls show Bowser leading Catania by anywhere from 8 to 17 percentage points.