30+ Year Capitol Hill Resident, Litigator & Transparency Advocate Announces Formal Candidacy for DC Council, Receives Endorsement from MLK III
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2025
Contact: info@murphyforward6.com
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Michael L. Murphy formally announced that he would be challenging Democratic three-term incumbent, Charles Allen for the D.C. Ward 6 Council Seat in the upcoming 2026 Democratic Primary Election. Murphy, a seasoned litigator, labor and non-profit leader, decided to run as a result of growing concerns within the Capitol Hill community about public safety, sustainable progress, and continued development.
Earlier this year, Murphy was the first to sound the alarm on the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)’s mishandling and misclassification of data on violent crimes. Murphy conducted his own investigation. From a denied FOIA in early 2025, to an opinion piece in The Hill, and appearances at local Advisory Neighborhood Council (ANC) meetings on both sides of the river, Murphy has remained dedicated to uncovering the truth, promoting transparency, and working with community leaders to demand answers from leadership that will improve community outcomes. Murphy shared the following statement:
"Our local leaders' priorities profoundly impact our daily lives, and it's clear the current Council member is prioritizing the wrong things. Instead of promoting progress and protecting our community, the current leadership is neglecting our reality.
After months of community conversations, I have concluded I will challenge Charles Allen for the Ward 6 Council seat. This is about pragmatism, listening to a broad range of opinions, and putting our people first. It's time to start moving #FORWard6, together.
I don't claim to have all the answers, but I will ask the hard questions and search for real solutions. I will engage in wide-ranging discussions, listen to citizens' lived experiences and subject matter experts, be fully transparent in how I derive my position, and always show my work."
Upon the federal takeover and announcement of federal investigation(s) into these practices, Murphy started a Change.Org petition. The petition, entitled, has received nearly 1,000 signatures. He has since sent multiple letters to the City Council, encouraging it to conduct an independent investigation into the crime stats issue. On December 4, he will provide testimony at the D.C. Council Committee on the Judiciary & Public Safety, Public Safety Hearing, discussing the key findings of his work and imploring the Council to conduct meaningful oversight in response to three federal investigations.
In addition to Murphy’s work to make public safety a reality, his other key platform plans for Ward 6 include an expansion of youth programs, expanded access to transportation within the RFK redevelopment, economic expansion through the support of locally owned businesses, updating the laws related to estates and trusts to try to keep families in their homes and retirees in the District. Government is at its best when it focuses on its core missions while creating an environment in which the private sector and public-private partnerships can flourish.
Michael brings a track record of achieving success on behalf of clients, and communities. As a partner at Bailey & Glasser LLP, he’s led class action lawsuits against major corporations and provided winning representation for pro bono clients, notably representing Two Rivers Public Charter School in a high-profile case. In Murphy’s decades-long career, he’s supported national bargaining committees for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, worked as a paralegal for the D.C. Office of the Corporation Counsel, and served as Interim Executive Director of the Drum Major Institute, a non-profit founded on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s principles.
Upon announcement of his candidacy for Council, Murphy received an endorsement from Martin Luther King III, who said;
“At a time when courageous leadership is scarce, I’m proud to see my friend, Michael Murphy, volunteer for the task to lead his community. All across the country, the people have spoken - they want authentic leadership and not career politicians. I’m confident Michael will bring a fresh perspective, and usher in the changes necessary to move DC forward.”
For more information, visit the candidate’s website at murphyforward6.com.
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ABOUT MICHAEL L. MURPHY
Michael, a dedicated litigator at Bailey & Glasser LLP, has an impressive track record in class action lawsuits against major corporations. He's also deeply committed to pro bono work, notably representing Two Rivers Public Charter School in a high-profile case.
A second-career attorney, Michael brings a unique perspective, having supported national bargaining committees for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and worked as a paralegal for the D.C. Office of the Corporation Counsel. He graduated cum laude from The Columbus School of Law at Catholic University of America, where he was a member of the Law Review. He earned a B.S. in Human Resources Management from California State University-Fresno and a M.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Michael served as Interim Executive Director of the Drum Major Institute, a non-profit founded on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s principles. A long-time Capitol Hill resident, married for almost 30 years with two children and rescue dogs, he enjoys bouldering, biking, and hosting living room concerts with nationally-touring acts.
