DC Bar Rejects Pam Bondis Brother in Record Election Diane Seltzer Wins Presidency
In a historic election with record turnout the DC Bar overwhelmingly rejected Bradley Bondi brother of Attorney General Pam Bondi as president electing Diane Seltzer amid concerns over political influence .
Washington DC June 9 2025 — In a record setting election that drew national attention the DC Bars membership resoundingly rejected Bradley J Bondi brother of US Attorney General Pam Bondi in his bid to become president of the organization Instead they chose employment law attorney Diane Seltzer in a landslide victory .
Historic Turnout and Landslide Victory
This years election saw an unprecedented turnout with nearly 38600 ballots cast an enormous leap from the roughly 7500 votes recorded in the previous cycle Diane Seltzer received over 90 percent of the vote while Bondi garnered just 9 percent equivalent to approximately 3500 votes .
A Reuters report summarized the mood stating the overwhelming turnout and margin made it clear that DC Bar members had made their voice heard The result reflects the strongest showing for any candidate in the Bars recent history .
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Tensions Over Political Ties
Bradley Bondis candidacy sparked immediate controversy largely due to his familial and perceived ideological connections to the Trump administration Critics voiced concern that his election could politicize the DC Bar at a sensitive time when the organization is handling disciplinary actions involving several Trump aligned attorneys .
His sister Attorney General Pam Bondi has previously been accused of politicizing the Department of Justice Critics feared that similar partisanship could extend to the Bars leadership if her brother were elected Prominent legal voices including George Conway Al Sharpton and numerous local attorneys called on members to back Seltzer as a safeguard for the institutions neutrality .
Candidates Campaign Platforms
Diane Seltzer a 57 year old employment lawyer with longstanding service on the Bars board focused her campaign on integrity transparency and protecting the professional independence of attorneys She promised to lead with fairness and ensure that legal professionals could practice without fear of retaliation .
Bradley J Bondi a white collar defense lawyer and partner at Paul Hastings promoted his leadership experience and sought to distance himself from political affiliations He described the race as dragged into the political gutter denouncing what he labeled as baseless attacks on his character and intentions .
Role and Powers of the Bar President
The DC Bar president chairs a 23 member board and helps guide policy direction but does not oversee attorney discipline directly That authority belongs to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the DC Court of Appeals Still the symbolism and visibility of the position elevated the stakes of this election .
Broader Context Political Pressure on the Legal Profession
The contest came at a time of growing scrutiny of conservative attorneys involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 election The DC Bar has taken action against figures like Rudy Giuliani and is currently reviewing others including Jeffrey Clark These developments coupled with Pam Bondis criticisms of the American Bar Associations alleged bias heightened concerns about preserving judicial impartiality .
Election Reflections and Aftermath
Bondi lamented the results calling the outcome a tragedy for the DC Bar and blaming political bias for his defeat Seltzer however celebrated the verdict as a triumph for the professions core values I am thrilled to have the support of Bar members whose leader represents and reflects the values of the members she said .
Seltzers term as president will officially begin on July 1 Her three year leadership will focus on restoring confidence encouraging professional unity and defending the Bars nonpartisan mission .