A neighbor
who
A story of resilience, advocacy, and community service, rooted right here in Shaw. Here's who I am, and why I'm asking for two more years.
Shaped by
Steven grew up in a close-knit family with his twin sister. When he was 14, his father passed away. His mother and grandmother raised him and his sister, relying on food stamps and government assistance to make ends meet.
Those early experiences of hardship and resilience shaped Steven's understanding of the struggles faced by underserved communities and ignited his passion for advocacy. He learned the value of hard work and the importance of community support, and committed himself to fighting for people who are too often overlooked.
That drive led him to a career electing Democrats committed to caring for their communities: organizing with the AFL-CIO for workers' rights, technology consulting for State Democratic Parties, and successfully organizing his own CWA union at his former company.
"The primary purpose of government is to care for the well-being of its citizens, and to faithfully deliver on its promises."
A life of
Steven's commitment to service began early: Key Club in high school, then Circle K International in college, where leadership roles took him around the country. As an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Washington, D.C., he has served on its Board of Directors and as President. His proudest accomplishment: launching a partnership with SMYAL that provides a $100,000 annual grant for free mental health services to LGBTQ youth in D.C. That work earned him the Youth Champion Award in 2022.
He has raised thousands for Experience Camps, supporting grieving children, and co-founded Abolish Racism after George Floyd's murder. He also found love here in Washington, D.C., meeting his husband Rich Villalon on July 4, 2018. Together they've built a home with their rescue dogs, Brody and Dallas, adopted from Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.
As your
First elected in 2022 and re-elected in 2024, Steven has served two terms as your Commissioner and is completing his second term as Chair of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2G.
Community first
Community days, Pride in Blagden Alley, and history tours that bring neighbors together.
Accountability
Holding DDOT, DPW, and ABCA to their promises until the work is actually done.
Real results
Safer streets, cleaner alleys, 94+ housing units approved, and a stronger neighborhood.
Leadership across
- Chair, ANC 2G — completing his second term leading the Commission
- President, Capital Stonewall Democrats — DC's largest LGBTQ+ Democratic organization
- Ward 2 Committeeman — DC Democratic Party
- Board of Directors, Democratic Municipal Officials — the youngest member on the national board
- Director, Friends of 10th Street Park — building the neighborhood's next great public space
Let's keep it
Join Steven in shaping a future where Washington, D.C. thrives as a safe, vibrant, and united community. Together, we can make a difference.