We are the Ward 7 Democrats
We, the Officers of the Ward 7 Democrats, are here to serve the Democratic residents of Ward 7. We pledge to organize, inform, and energize democrats across the Ward, and to partner with elected and community leaders to advance and advocate for policies that improve the lives of Ward 7 residents.
Tyrell M. Holcomb, Toni R. Criner, Eric Rogers, Pearlie Brown,
Victor Horton, Gaby Fraser and Anthony Lee Wright.
Our Purpose
The purpose of the organization is to pursue and meet the following objectives:
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Contribute to the growth and influence of the Democratic Party in Ward 7
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Increase Democratic party membership and voting participation in Ward 7
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Cooperate with the initiatives, programs, and functions of the D.C. Democratic State Committee
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Increase citizen knowledge of, and participation in, the political processes of Ward 7, the District of Columbia, and the Nation
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Establish and maintain communication with all segments of Ward 7
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Collaborate with Democratic political organizations in other wards of the District of Columbia
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Support Democratic Party nominees for public office
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Establish and maintain harmony within the organization
Our Commitments
Leadership
Chair - Tyrell M. Holcomb
Tyrell Holcomb is an accomplished and collaborative non-profit and community leader with a proven track record of improving the well-being, outcomes, and circumstances of underserved and marginalized communities. As a dedicated Ward 7 Commissioner for 7F01, chairman of the 7F commission, and former DC State Committeeman, Tyrell has demonstrated his strong commitment to public service, using his political platform to advocate for the needs of his community while working to drive meaningful policy changes at both the local and state levels.
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With extensive expertise in fostering relationships, public affairs, advocacy, and community engagement, Tyrell has successfully built coalitions across diverse sectors to address critical issues. His experience in program execution, project management, budget oversight, and team supervision ensures that initiatives are not only effective but also sustainable, benefiting those who need it most.
Tyrell is a compelling public speaker, storyteller, and writer, able to communicate complex ideas and inspire collective action. His approach to problem-solving is characterized by a balance of creativity and pragmatism, allowing him to develop innovative solutions while remaining grounded in practical, real-world strategies. His political leadership, combined with his unwavering dedication to service, continues to make a lasting impact on his community and beyond.
Toni R. Criner, 1st Vice-Chair
While Toni proudly hails from Dallas, Texas, she has made Ward 7 (Deanwood) her home and the heart of her advocacy. As DC’s former Interim Ombudsman for Public Education and former Director of the DC Special Education Hub, Toni has consistently championed equity, transparency, and access for all students and families across the District. A seasoned public servant, she served as the 2019-2020 DC Congressional Foster Care Delegate, where she was selected by the National Foster Youth Institute to represent and uplift the voices of over 500,000 foster youth and alumni nationwide.
Toni is a dedicated former educator with over 12 years of experience in DC Public Schools, where she held numerous leadership roles focused on student achievement, family engagement, and educational equity. She is also a proud two-time HBCU graduate of Tougaloo College and Howard University—institutions that shaped her deep commitment to justice, community, and excellence.
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She's also an active member of the Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Toni continues to lead with purpose, integrity, and impact. Her tireless advocacy—both locally and nationally—reflects her belief that strong communities are built through service, representation, and the power of lived experience.
Eric Rogers, 2nd Vice-Chair
Eric Rogers is a DC Native currently residing in the Hillcrest neighborhood in Ward 7. He has dedicated his career to serving the residents of the District for the past two decades through government policy creation and programmatic reforms and implementation. His experience as a Council staffer, as an agency employee, and in agency executive leadership underscores his ability and know-how for creating impactful and long-lasting solutions to the varied challenges that District residents face every day.
Victor L. Horton, Treasurer
Originally from Virginia, Victor has resided in Ward 7 for almost a decade. Victor’s local service includes being elected as a 7E Commissioner in which he acted as Treasurer during his entire tenure. He also was the founding member and Chair of the Education Committee that also sits under the 7E Commission.
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Victor is also a former DC educator and education policy advocate with several years of experience on Capitol Hill and in the nonprofit arena. He currently is the Program Director for Leaders of Color, DC—an education nonprofit charged with improving education outcomes for Black and Latino children by identifying, training and elevating Black and Latino community leaders to create civic and political change.