Federal prosecutors now allege DC mayor Vince Gray knew businessman Jeffrey Thompson had been illegally funding his 2010 campaign. Here’s how long other big-city mayors lasted under scrutiny.
Ray Nagin
New Orleans
Conflict-of-interest allegations surfaced in 2009; Nagin was charged with fraud, conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering in ’13, after leaving office. Convicted February 12 on all but one count, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Tony Mack
Trenton
Accused of cronyism soon after he took office in 2010, he was arrested in 2012 by the FBI. He clung to office for weeks after his February 7 bribery conviction, until a judge ordered him removed.
Bob Filner
San Diego
Eight months after his 2012 election, female aides claimed sexual harassment. Seven weeks later, facing a recall effort, he resigned. He pleaded guilty in October and is on probation.
Rob Ford
Toronto
Elected in 2010, Ford survived a judge’s 2012 order to step down after a flap over improper gifts. Admitting he “probably” smoked crack last year cost him most of his powers, but he’s up for reelection.
This article appears in the April 2014 issue of Washingtonian.
Benjamin Freed joined Washingtonian in August 2013 and covers politics, business, and media. He was previously the editor of DCist and has also written for Washington City Paper, the New York Times, the New Republic, Slate, and BuzzFeed. He lives in Adams Morgan.
A Look at City Mayors Who Worked in a Gray Area
From Ray Nagin to Rob Ford.
Federal prosecutors now allege DC mayor Vince Gray knew businessman Jeffrey Thompson had been illegally funding his 2010 campaign. Here’s how long other big-city mayors lasted under scrutiny.
Ray Nagin
New Orleans
Conflict-of-interest allegations surfaced in 2009; Nagin was charged with fraud, conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering in ’13, after leaving office. Convicted February 12 on all but one count, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Tony Mack
Trenton
Accused of cronyism soon after he took office in 2010, he was arrested in 2012 by the FBI. He clung to office for weeks after his February 7 bribery conviction, until a judge ordered him removed.
Bob Filner
San Diego
Eight months after his 2012 election, female aides claimed sexual harassment. Seven weeks later, facing a recall effort, he resigned. He pleaded guilty in October and is on probation.
Rob Ford
Toronto
Elected in 2010, Ford survived a judge’s 2012 order to step down after a flap over improper gifts. Admitting he “probably” smoked crack last year cost him most of his powers, but he’s up for reelection.
This article appears in the April 2014 issue of Washingtonian.
Benjamin Freed joined Washingtonian in August 2013 and covers politics, business, and media. He was previously the editor of DCist and has also written for Washington City Paper, the New York Times, the New Republic, Slate, and BuzzFeed. He lives in Adams Morgan.
Most Popular in News & Politics
What It Felt Like for a Virginia Marching Band to Win Metallica’s Contest
Meet the 2023 Washingtonians of the Year
What’s IN and OUT in DC Restaurant Trends for 2024
Introducing 8 of DC’s Most Stylish
Washingtonian Magazine
April 2024: Great Places to Live
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
13 Major Concerts and Music Festivals in the DC Area This Spring
Mary Timony on Her Emotional New Album, “Untame the Tiger”
The Beatles in DC: A New Exhibit in Maryland Looks Back on Early Beatlemania
Northern Virginia High School Wins Metallica’s Marching Band Competition
More from News & Politics
Taylor Swift Class Will Be Offered at American University
You Can Still Get Tickets to See Caitlin Clark Play in DC
The Capital Pride Parade Won’t Go Through Dupont Circle This Year
Why Did WAMU Close DCist?
Botox in Your Twenties? More People Under 30 Are Getting Cosmetic Treatments.
Did Eugene Vindman Pose With a Confederate Flag?
Want to See Caitlin Clark Play in DC? Prepare to Shell Out Some $$$.
Hozier and Laufey Will Headline This Year’s All Things Go Festival