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 city
services, 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.