Zachary Parker | |
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| Member for theCouncil of the District of Columbia fromWard 5 | |
| Assumed office January 2, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Kenyan McDuffie |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | Northwestern University (BA) Columbia University (MEd) |
| Website | Campaign website |
Zachary Parker is an educator and American politician, currently serving as a member of theCouncil of the District of Columbia, representingWard 5 since January 2023.[1]
Parker was born in Chicago.[2] He received a BS in Speech and Language Pathology from Northwestern University and a MA in Education Policy and Leadership from Columbia University.[2]
Parker worked as a math teacher withTeach for America and won his first election to the State Board of Education Ward 5 seat in 2018.[2] In 2021, Parker served as president of the State Board of Education.[2]
Parker was elected to theCouncil of the District of Columbia during the 2022 election cycle, besting a field of six other candidates which included former councilmanVincent Orange.[3] Parker eventually succeededKenyan McDuffie, who was elected to the At-Large council seat.[4] In 2025 Parker was assigned to serve as the Chair of the Committee on Youth Affairs.[5]
Since taking office, Parker has hosted the annualWard 5 Day, a community festival celebrating local residents and businesses. The 2025 event at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center featured live music, local food vendors, historical exhibits, and resource tables from community organizations. The celebration also included a "Walk Thru Ward 5" history display, youth entrepreneur fair, and pet adoptions in partnership with Brandywine Valley SPCA, with support from DPR, MedStar Health, and Casey Trees.[6]
In 2022, Parker publiclycame out asgay in a video statement posted toTwitter, stating his family and community already knew and that he wanted to share his identity publicly.[7]
| Council of the District of Columbia | ||
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| Preceded by | Member of theCouncil of the District of Columbia from Ward 5 2023–present | Incumbent |
Members of theCouncil of the District of Columbia | ||
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