DC Vote: Midterm Results Create New Momentum for DC Statehood

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeannette O’Connor, [email protected]

DC Vote: Midterm Results Create New Momentum for DC Statehood

Robert White’s election to Congress and Democratic control of both chambers create new opportunities to advance DC statehood

WASHINGTON, DC (November 4, 2026) — The outcome of the 2026 midterm elections offers a renewed opportunity to advance DC statehood and strengthen the movement for equal representation and self-government for Washington, DC’s nearly 700,000 residents.

Following is a statement from Amy Vruno, Executive Director of DC Vote:

“The midterm elections have created an opportunity to turn renewed energy into meaningful progress. With Democrats taking control of both the House and Senate, we have a chance to make DC statehood a priority and advance the full democratic rights that DC residents have been denied for more than 200 years.

“Robert White’s election to the House of Representatives, combined with growing support for statehood among newly elected senators, are important milestones. As a longtime, outspoken champion of statehood, White will bring a powerful voice to Congress on behalf of DC residents and their fundamental right to full representation. South Carolina Senator-elect Dr. Annie Andrews and Maine Senator-elect Troy Jackson have already pledged their support for DC statehood, while Ohio Senator-elect Sherrod Brown was an early and consistent supporter during his previous Senate service. We look forward to working with these leaders and building the broad coalition and political commitment needed to make DC the 51st state.

“DC Vote and our allies in the statehood movement are not taking anything for granted. Control of both chambers by either party has never secured equal voting rights for DC residents. We are working urgently to turn past pledges and co-sponsorships into votes for statehood, grow support among newly elected members and incumbents who have not yet taken a position, and push for passage in both the House and Senate.

“The path to statehood will require sustained action and national support. A statehood bill has passed the House twice, and 44 senators have co-sponsored statehood legislation in the 119th Congress. DC Vote is working with partners to build on this foundation, engage members of Congress, and make statehood a priority in the next governing agenda.

“We know this work cannot remain on Capitol Hill; it must reach beyond Washington. We are building alliances and connections to make the issue tangible and relevant to people in states and communities across the country. When DC residents have a voice and vote in Congress, they can help advance issues that are vital to Americans across the country, such as access to health care, voting rights, economic opportunity, freedom, and equality for all.

“DC statehood is about more than representation for the nearly 700,000 residents who live here. It is about the fundamental promise of our democracy: that every American deserves a voice in the laws that govern them. DC residents pay federal taxes, serve in the military, and contribute to our nation, yet they have no voting representation in Congress. And as recent years have made painfully clear, without statehood, our right to govern our own affairs remains vulnerable to autocratic interference.

“This is a moment to build on momentum and turn it into lasting progress. The people of DC deserve full representation, equal rights, and the same ability to determine their own future as every other American.”