Members of the D.C. Bar Association have decisively voted against Brad Bondi, brother of former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, in his bid to lead one of the country’s most influential legal associations. Bondi received only 9.1% of the votes compared to attorney Diane Seltzer, who garnered an impressive 90.9% support in the election.
The election results reflect a record turnout, with nearly 37,000 members participating, marking more than 41% of all eligible voters—an increase from just over 8% last year. Seltzer’s election has been heralded as a reaffirmation of the membership’s commitment to principles such as upholding the rule of law and ensuring that legal practice remains free from political pressures.
Brad Bondi, associated with the criminal defense firm Paul Hastings, has a history of ties to high-profile figures in the Trump administration, including associations with the Trump Media & Technology Group and advisor Elon Musk. Critics had expressed concerns that his leadership could potentially politicize the Bar, an essential nonpartisan entity responsible for the regulation of legal practice.
In a statement following her election, Seltzer emphasized the importance of leadership that reflects the values of its members. She highlighted a vision for maintaining judicial independence and protecting lawyers from retaliation due to their legal practices.
Seltzer’s term starts on July 1, and her election is seen as a pivotal moment for the D.C. Bar, which is home to over 120,000 members, many of whom are federal attorneys.
It’s also notable that Brad Bondi was not the only candidate associated with the Trump administration to face defeat; Alicia Long, an ally of former interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin, also lost her bid for the treasurer position to Amanda Molina. This trend of rejection of Trump-aligned candidates by the bar indicates a broader shift within the legal community towards maintaining the integrity and independence of legal practices.
Overall, the overwhelming support for Seltzer points to a collective desire among bar members to ensure that the association remains a bastion of legal integrity, free from political influence.