From Eric Dondero:

Ron Moten, a popular, but also controversial District of Columbia politico, is switching to the GOP.

From the Washington Examiner, "Moten pulling the party switch-a-roo in Ward 7":

The founder of a gang and violence prevention nonprofit group in the District says he is switching parties to run against Democratic Councilwoman Yvette Alexander in Ward 7 next year. Ron Moten plans to register as a Republican on Friday and will announce his campaign on Saturday, according to the Associated Press.

Moten hopes to take advantage of a crowded primary field on the 'D' side, and take on a bruised opponent for the Fall election.

Moten is a former convicted drug dealer, turned crime-fighting community activist.

According to the Washington City Paper:

Moten tells the Post that he's "been a conservative the whole time" and the Republican Party is needed in local politics in order to restore balance to the force.

Photo credit - DCist.com