Episode
Brooke Pinto on Running for Congress, Trump, and D.C.'s Future
- Podcast
- Dream City Podcast
- Published
- Mar 9, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3654
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Summary
In a wide-ranging interview, D.C. Council member Brooke Pinto shares her journey from childhood in Connecticut to her political career, why she wants to represent D.C. in Congress, and how she would deal with President Trump and Republicans on Capitol Hill. Pinto is running to succeed retiring Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton in a crowded race that includes her council colleague Robert White. She explains what sets her apart — pointing to her public safety record, her role passing the Secure DC crime bill, and her strategy for building influence in Congress despite the delegate’s lack of a vote. Cuneyt and Tom cover a lot of ground, from crime trends and ICE in D.C. to the politics of the delegate race and the challenge of negotiating with a Republican-controlled Congress. They also dive into the future of the city: the Height Act, the expansion of gambling parlors in D.C., the future of Waymo, the redevelopment of federal buildings downtown, and what Pinto would tell Trump ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. This is part of Dream City’s interview series with candidates shaping the future of Washington. 00:00 Introduction to the Dream City Podcast 00:37 Growing Up in Connecticut + Early Influences 02:41 The “Saltine Crackers” School Story 05:11 The “Believe in Magic” Sign + Ikigai Philosophy 07:31 Coming to DC, Georgetown Law, and Working for Karl Racine 11:32 Why Pinto Ran for DC Council 15:02 Why Her Campaign Color Is Pink 17:10 Why She’s Running for Congress 17:54 Her Case Against Robert White 20:44 Her Secure DC Act + Reducing Crime 22:50 How Will She Represent Black Washingtonians? 29:36 How a Non-Voting Delegate Builds Influence in Congress 33:24 Negotiating With — or Confronting — Republicans 41:45 Campaign Fundraising and Momentum 43:03 What She’d Say to Donald Tru…