Elected officials in Washington County rallied in support of Commissioner Nafisa Fai after a controversial incident where commission chair Kathryn Harrington made an obscene gesture towards her during a meeting. Harrington faced immediate backlash, leading to calls for her resignation, which she submitted shortly thereafter.
At a press conference on September 22, 2026, Fai articulated that this incident was part of a larger pattern of behavior and underscored the need for change within the county government. Fai, a refugee from Somalia and the first person of color to serve on the commission, expressed the need to overcome the existing “culture of fear” in leadership.
Fai is campaigning against fellow commissioner Pam Treece to replace Harrington, as neither received a majority in the prior primary. Key public officials, including state legislators and members of Metro Council, showed up to support Fai, signaling broad endorsement for her candidacy. Following the incident, Treece distanced herself from Harrington, returning a significant campaign donation and emphasizing the importance of accountability among leaders.
