Aparna Raj

Aparna Raj (born November 19, 1993) is an American organizer and politician who is a candidate for the Council of the District of Columbia from Ward 1. A Democrat and democratic socialist, Raj is a member and former chair of the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America.

Raj worked at food justice nonprofit DC Greens as a communications manager. Previously, she worked as a political researcher and as a consultant.

Raj is a member of the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America (MDC DSA). In 2021, Raj was elected to the MDC DSA's Steering Committee. In 2023, Raj was elected to Chapter Chair.

2026 DC council campaign On August 12, 2025, Raj announced her campaign for the 2026 Council of the District of Columbia election in Ward 1. Incumbent councilmember Brianne Nadeau later announced that she would not seek reelection, leaving an open Ward 1 race.

Raj's campaign platform included expanding rent stabilization to more properties and funding universal childcare through a corporate tax on large corporations doing business in the District. Her housing proposals included bringing newer buildings under rent control, restoring the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act as a universal right, ending exclusionary zoning, and allowing denser housing, including more family-sized units.

In the lead up the general election, Raj spent the month of August in a Spanish language immersion program in Guatemala to better connect with the Ward's Latino population.

Personal life Raj identifies as bisexual. She lives in Columbia Heights with her husband, Stuart Karaffa, whom she married in 2025.