Beginning fourth from left: Patrick Mara, Jacque Patterson, Sekou Biddle, Bryan Weaver. Photo by luisgomezphotos.

Interim D.C. Councilmember Sekou Biddle (D-At Large) filed a series of challenges to nominating petitions submitted by Bryan Weaver, Patrick Mara and Jacque Patterson late yesterday afternoon, setting in motion a process that may well find some or all of the trio kicked off the April 26 Special Election ballot.

The challenges, which were filed by Biddle’s campaign treasurer on the last day of a 10-day challenge period, seek to disqualify enough signatures on the nominating petitions turned in on February 16 by each campaign; candidates need at least 3,000 valid signatures to stay on the ballot. Both Weaver and Patterson turned in between 3,400 and 3,600 signatures, making them particularly vulnerable to challenges. Mara, on the other hand, submitted around 6,000 signatures, making it unlikely that the sole Republican in the At-Large race won’t make the ballot.

Two other challenges were also filed: Lawrence Guyot, a supporter of At-Large hopeful Josh Lopez, also went after Mara’s petitions, while Alonzo Edmondson challenged Patterson’s petitions. Edmondson, who has been linked to Vincent Orange’s campaign, successfully had Calvin Gurley knocked of the ballot in the race for D.C. Council Chair last year. Orange’s petitions were almost challenged by Biddle, but in a last-minute reversal, the campaign chose not to pursue the challenges.