Photo by Burnt Pixel

In recent weeks, a number of new candidates have jumped into local D.C. races, challenging just about every incumbent up for re-election in 2012.

Last week, Max Skolnik, the head of Kid Power DC, stepped into the race for the Ward 4 seat currently held by Councilmember Muriel Bowser. The race may not prove to be the most exciting of the 2012 season, but it may well be the most crowded — so far, five candidates are challenging Bowser. Over in Ward 7, Bill Bennett, pastor of Good Success Christian Church, has joined former Peaceaholics co-founder Ron Moten, Kevin Chavous, Jr. and Tom Brown in vying for Yvette Alexander’s seat.

In the race for the two At-Large seats, former aide to D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton David Grosso will be running as an Independent (indicating that he’s targeting Councilmember Michael Brown’s seat), while rumors have emerged that former four-month Councilmember Sekou Biddle might be gunning for a rematch against Councilmember Vincent Orange (D-At Large).

The only incumbents that remain formally without challengers are councilmembers Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) and Jack Evans (D-Ward 2), though a number of people have floated their names in the uphill battle to unseat the mayor-for-life.

In the coming weeks and months we’ll be profiling the candidates and the races, and closely following the District’s Board of Elections and Ethics and Office of Campaign Finance as they prepare for the April 3, 2012 primary.