About Markus
Markus Batchelor is a proud native Washingtonian and dedicated advocate, who is deeply committed to advancing equity and bridging the opportunity divide. He made history when he was sworn in as the youngest-ever elected member of the DC State Board of Education on January 2, 2017, where he represented Ward 8 and was elected twice by his colleagues as the board’s Vice President.
Raised by a working-class family in Congress Heights and nurtured by a caring Ward 8 community, Markus has spent half his life striving to give back all he was given, relentlessly fighting for the residents of Ward 8, exhibiting unwavering conviction, and pursuing a well-defined vision for our future.
Prior to his tenure on the State Board of Education, Markus served as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for District 8C04, encompassing Congress Heights and Washington Highlands neighborhoods of Washington, D.C. In this role, Markus worked tirelessly to revitalize a fragmented community network, enhance city services, and foster collaborative initiatives to tackle complex challenges.
Markus has transformed his dedication to public service into a fulfilling career aimed at expanding democratic participation and inclusion. He worked to solve pressing community concerns and bring government closer to the people as a Ward 8 liaison in the Mayor's Office of Community Relations and Services (MOCRS). Subsequently, he served as a Program Associate at the Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative, a Ward 8-based nonprofit dedicated to creating a healthy socioeconomic environment through which every child and family has an opportunity to achieve their maximum potential and to lead a productive life. Today, Markus is the National Political Director at People For the American Way, an organization dedicated to ensuring equal treatment under the law for all, fighting back against attacks on our rights, and fostering civic and political engagement nationwide.
In addition to his professional roles, Markus pays it forward, contributing to the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute (MBYLI), which he attended as a teen and served as the District’s 51st Youth Mayor, and continues to both mentor and train DC youth.
He is a graduate of the DC public and public charter school systems (King Elementary, Hardy Middle, Thurgood Marshall Academy) and attended The George Washington University (GWU) before pursuing public service full-time. While at GWU, he passionately advocated for voting rights and statehood for the District of Columbia, founding the DC Statehood Student Association. Markus has also served in leadership roles such as President of the Ward 8 Democrats and as the National Committeeman for the DC Young Democrats, actively contributing to the betterment of District residents and a strong Democratic Party through his dedicated involvement.
Markus Batchelor's unwavering dedication to equity, empowerment, and public service has made a lasting impact on the Washington, D.C. community, and beyond. His remarkable journey and tireless commitment continue to inspire positive change and ensure a brighter future for all.