The Miss DC 2026 emcees

Ahtra Elnashar is a national political correspondent covering Congress and the White House for WJLA and its affiliated stations. Specializing in economic policy and foreign affairs, Ahtra is passionate about empowering viewers to understand issues that impact them. Before she covered the nation's capital, Ahtra started her news career in Sioux Falls, SD and Grand Rapids, MI. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a degree in journalism and political science. 

Originally from Green Bay, WI, Ahtra is a fiercely loyal Packers fan. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, gardening and playing with her nieces.