Mayor Muriel Bowser will run for re-election in the District’s mayoral race next year.

Bowser announced her campaign for her third term via Twitter Thursday, harkening back to her efforts in moving the “city forward” during unprecedented times like the pandemic and the Capitol insurrection. Bowser will face at-large D.C. Council member Robert White and Ward 8 Council member Trayon White in the mayoral race after the two announced their campaigns last month.

Bowser said she will ​​participate in the public financing program, a program that ensures mayoral candidates can only receive small sum donations of up to $200. The goal of the program is to provide an incentive for more candidates to compete in the electoral process and engage with everyday citizens and their neighbors to seek financial support instead of relying on large contributions from special interests. 

“Each dollar you give is matched 5 to 1 allowing us to engage more voters in a conversation about DC’s bright future,” Bowser said in the statement. “Together we will create more opportunity for all Washingtonians. Let’s keep pushing.”

Bowser said while she was mayor, the District fought against COVID-19 and pushed for affordable housing, better education, women’s rights and public safety.   

“You trusted me to lead D.C. through these unprecedented times,” Bowser said in the statement. “I am asking once again for your trust and your vote in the Democratic Primary on June 21st.” 

Bowser has served as the city’s mayor for two full terms after she was first elected in 2014, making her the first female D.C. mayor in two decades. 

Bowser cited her administration’s push in her past terms for affordable housing, better schools, women’s rights, public safety, D.C. values and for D.C. statehood. She said the D.C. government’s finances are “excellent” and the office is ethical, accountable and transparent.

“​​But there are still challenges for us to tackle, and we have more work to do,” the statement reads. “That’s why I am running for re-election to be your mayor of the greatest city in the world, my hometown, and soon to be the #51stState.”