# 1971 United States House of Representatives election in the District of Columbia

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On March 23, 1971, the District of Columbia held a special election for its non-voting House delegate representing the District of Columbia's at-large congressional district. This was the first election for the newly re-created district since Norton P. Chipman briefly held the seat during the Reconstruction Era. The winner of the race was Walter E. Fauntroy, a Democrat. After serving his remaining term in the 92nd United States Congress, he would continue to be re-elected until he stepped down to run for mayor in the 1990 election.
The non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives from the District of Columbia is elected for two-year terms, as are all other Representatives and Delegates minus the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, who is elected to a four-year term.

## Candidates

Walter E. Fauntroy, a Democrat, sought election for his first term to the United States House of Representatives. Fauntroy was opposed in this election by Republican challenger John A. Nevius, who received 25.08%, and D.C. Statehood Party candidate Julius Hobson who received 13.23%. This resulted in Fauntroy being elected with 58.44% of the vote. This is the lowest percentage that a Democratic candidate has received in any election to the District of Columbia's at-large congressional district.

### Results

D.C. At Large Congressional District Special Election (March 23, 1971) :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Walter E. Fauntroy | 68,166 | 58.44 |
| | Republican | John A. Nevius | 29,249 | 25.08 |
| | DC Statehood | Julius Hobson | 15,427 | 13.23 |
| | Independent | Frank Kameny | 1,888 | 1.62 |
| | Independent | Douglas Moore | 1,301 | 1.12 |
| | Socialist Workers | James E. Harris | 431 | 0.37 |
| | No party | Write-ins | 173 | 0.15 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 116,635 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican |