(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Bowser released the following statement on the passing of former Councilmember Jim Graham:

“Jim Graham embodied DC values. Jim was a fierce champion for Ward 1 and led the way in fighting to preserve and protect affordable housing in booming neighborhoods. He was also a tireless advocate for LBGTQ rights and access to health care. Jim welcomed all neighbors and showed us that DC’s diversity alone does not make us great, but instead our embrace and celebration of our diversity does.

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Councilmember Graham, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Today, as I fight to include more Washingtonians in the District’s prosperity, I do so on the shoulders of leaders like Jim who fought to prove that moving DC forward means leaving no residents behind.”