[2] Originally from Chico, California, Patterson came to the District in January 1977 to be a Washington correspondent for The Kansas City Star.
At the time she was working as communications director for the American Public Welfare Association, a national nonprofit organization that represents state human service agencies and works with Congress and the White House on poverty and children's issues.
Her grassroots campaign successfully ousted two-term incumbent James E. Nathanson in the Democratic primary.
On the council, Patterson focused on fiscal responsibility, stronger public schools, and accountability from District government officials.
Her election loss was attributed to racial politics by some Patterson supporters, while others felt that her tough-talking style was too abrasive to lead the council.