Bradley Bondi Defeated in D.C. Bar Election

Bradley Bondi, brother of Attorney General Pam Bondi, a partner at Paul Hastings, and representative of Trump-aligned interests, lost the D.C. Bar Association presidential race, securing only 9.1% of the vote compared to Diane Seltzer’s 90.9%. The contest saw record turnout, with five times the typical number of voters, amid concerns that Bondi’s Trump connections could politicize the Bar and potentially enable retribution against legal adversaries. Critics expressed fears over the Bar’s independence, while Bondi and another Trump ally, Alicia Long, attributed their losses to partisan attacks and identity politics. Seltzer, an employment attorney, ran on a pledge to support Bar members and defend the association’s integrity during uncertain times. Numerous former Bar presidents endorsed Seltzer, highlighting resistance to perceived attempts at politicizing the institution. The election outcome was seen as a statement of support for legal professionalism and the rule of law.