Kevin Chavous, Jr. (right) at a campaign event.

According to both the Post and City Paper, Ward 7 D.C. Council hopeful Kevin Chavous, Jr. was arrested late last week for allegedly soliciting a prostitute.

Despite claiming that he’s innocent and that he’ll press on with his campaign to unseat Councilmember Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7), the arrest certainly won’t make his quest any easier.

Prostitution has been a recent problem along the D.C. border with Maryland in Ward 7, so much so that in November Alexander introduced legislation that would allow the Metropolitan Police Department to declare permanent prostitution-free zones throughout the city. Currently, the zones are limited to 10 days; the most recent zone was imposed in Ward 7 for four days around Halloween.

Chavous is the son of a former member of the D.C. Council, and recently received the endorsement of a group that had organized to oust Alexander. The incumbent faces a crowded field, but she still leads fundraising efforts — over $82,000 so far, compared to Chavous’ $28,000.