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About
Vincent Condol Gray (born November 8, 1942, in Washington, D.C.) is an American politician and former psychologist who has had a long career in public service within the District of Columbia. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology in 1966 and a Master of Arts in counseling in 1968 from George Washington University. Before entering politics, he worked as a licensed psychologist and counselor in D.C. public schools, focusing on youth development and mental health services. His political career began in the 1980s, leading to his election to the D.C. Council representing Ward 7 in 1990, a position he held until 2005. He served as Chairman of the Council from 2005 to 2011, then as Mayor of Washington, D.C., from 2011 to 2015. After losing the 2014 Democratic primary to Muriel Bowser, he returned to the Council in 2017, representing Ward 7 until 2025. Throughout his career, Gray has been vocal on economic development, public funding issues, affordable housing, and equity in economic opportunities, advocating for working-class communities in Ward 7. His administration faced criticism for budget management and a campaign finance scandal involving unreported contributions, though a federal investigation did not result in charges against him. Gray also served as the Director of the District of Columbia Department of Human Services from 1991 to 1994 and as the Executive Director of Covenant House Washington from 1994 to 1998. He was a candidate for the Ward 7 Council seat again in 2024 but withdrew due to health reasons. His mayoral tenure included initiatives like the 'One City' plan and the D.C. Streetcar project.