Peter Shapiro and his wife, Julia Wright.

Yesterday, DC candidates filed their latest campaign finance reports. In the race to unseat at-large councilmember Vincent Orange, Peter Shapiro raised more than double the amount as his rival Sekou Biddle. To maximize the chances of beating Orange, Biddle should withdraw from the race and throw his support behind Shapiro.

Campaign finance reports demonstrate each campaign’s organization and fundraising ability. According to the latest reports, as of yesterday Biddle had $31,615.78 on hand, Shapiro $73,652.94, and Orange $108.705.88. Shapiro more than doubled Biddle’s take, in a race that will most certainly come down to money.

It is foolhardy for Biddle to continue his campaign, when staying in the race will most certainly assure that Orange cruises to re-election.

Over the course of the last two months, I have had the opportunity to sit down with both Biddle and Shapiro to discuss their respective campaigns. Biddle, who briefly held the at-large seat before losing in last April’s special election, has simply not been able to put together a persuasive campaign.

During Biddle’s last attempt, he proved unable to articulate a clear vision for DC and energize voters around his ideas. His campaign was also dragged down by endorsements from most of the DC political establishment at the same time the Sulaimon Brown and Navigator-gate scandals were breaking.

Biddle, to his credit, holds positions that are favorable to most progressives. He would be a solid vote in favor of many things we’d like to see, including stronger ethics and campaign finance rules. Unfortunately for Biddle, his campaign is mired with low fundraising numbers and internal problems. Recently, Biddle announced via email that his campaign manager—the former leader of the DC Republican Party—had departed.

He also still has not demonstrated a clear vision or solid positions, leaving potential supporters concerned he would repeat the mistakes of the last campaign. These factors, plus his tepid third place finish last April, show that he simply isn’t positioned to defeat Orange.

Thankfully, Peter Shapiro provides an equally strong progressive candidacy, combined with fundraising and organizational prowess. Shapiro, who grew up in the District, served on the Prince George’s County Council in Maryland before moving back to the District with his wife. Shapiro brings to this race years of experience both as a legislator, but also as an environmental activist and organizer.

Shapiro was tapped to join an ethics task force in Prince George’s County, created in the wake of former county executive Jack Johnson’s arrest on corruption charges. This experience gives Shapiro credentials for helping restore trust in the DC Council. Presently, Shapiro lives in Ward 4 and runs the Chesapeake Center for Public Leadership.

In a three-way race with 2 progressive candidates, Orange would very likely cruise to victory. While I don’t doubt Biddle’s commitment to improving the District, he has been unable to build a campaign that can win. It’s time for Biddle to put the good of DC ahead of his own ambition, withdraw from the race, and support his fellow progressive.

Note: This is not an official endorsement in this race. Greater Greater Washington is an opinion site, and unless specifically designated as an endorsement, opinions posted here are the opinions of their individual authors and not necessarily of the site’s editors or other contributors. We will likely post an official endorsement at a later point in the campaign.