Markus Batchelor is a proud native Washingtonian and dedicated justice advocate.

He made history when he was elected as the youngest-ever elected member of the DC State Board of Education in 2016, 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, he is a graduate of the DC public schools and attended The George Washington University before pursuing public service.

Prior to his tenure on the State Board of Education, Markus served as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for Congress Heights and Washington Highlands, where he worked to revitalize a fragmented community network, enhance cityservices, and grow results-driven initiatives to tackle our most complex challenges.

Markus is a proud member of the Democratic Party and has also served as President of the Ward 8 Democrats and as National Committeeman for the DC Young Democrats.

Markus has spent his career working to lift up his community. He worked to bring government closer to the people as a Ward 8 liaison in the Mayor's Office of Community Relations and Services (MOCRS). He served 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 convening diverse Americans to defend freedom, justice, and democracy for all of us.

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, served as the District’s 51st Youth Mayor, and continues to mentor and train DC
youth.

Markus currently lives in Congress Heights with his 5-year-old rescued American Pit Bull Terrier, Konny.