D.C. Bar Association Election: Diane Seltzer Triumphs Over Brad Bondi in Presidential Race
Brad Bondi, brother of Attorney General Pam Bondi, faced a significant defeat in his bid for the presidency of the D.C. Bar Association. The election, which saw a record turnout, resulted in Bondi receiving only 9.1% of the votes, while his opponent, Diane Seltzer, secured 90.9% of the votes. Seltzer, an employment lawyer endorsed by numerous former D.C. Bar Association presidents, will assume the role of president-elect on July 1, with her presidency commencing in 2026.
The D.C. Bar Association, boasting approximately 121,000 members, is the largest unified bar in the country. Bondi, who serves as the global co-chair of Paul Hastings’s investigations and white-collar defense practice, faced concerns from critics about potential political influence within the organization. Despite these concerns, Bondi emphasized the importance of maintaining the nonpartisan nature of the D.C. Bar in his campaign statement.
Alicia Long, a deputy to interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, also experienced defeat in her bid for treasurer, securing 25.1% of the votes. Cybersecurity lawyer Amanda Molina emerged victorious in the treasurer race with 74.9% of the votes. The D.C. Bar CEO, Robert Spagnoletti, highlighted the unprecedented engagement of members in the election, with a total of 38,646 votes cast, representing 43.26% of eligible voters.
The election results underscore the commitment of D.C. Bar members to the organization's leadership and governance. The significant voter turnout and the diverse slate of candidates reflect the dedication of members to upholding the apolitical nature of the D.C. Bar Association. As the newly elected leaders prepare to assume their roles, the organization looks forward to continued growth and service to its members.
In conclusion, the recent D.C. Bar Association election marked a pivotal moment in the organization's history, with Diane Seltzer emerging as the president-elect following a decisive victory over Brad Bondi. The record turnout and engagement of members signal a strong commitment to the values and mission of the D.C. Bar, ensuring its continued success and relevance in the legal community.