Issue
Democracy

Washington, DC is home to more than 700,000 residents, more people than several states, yet our voices are too often ignored or overridden by federal interference. We pay federal taxes, serve in the military, and contribute to the strength of this country, but we are denied full representation in Congress and regularly face attempts by outside politicians to override the decisions made by the people who live here.

I believe self determination is a fundamental right. Washingtonians deserve the ability to govern our own city without interference from those who do not live here. As Mayor, I will defend our democracy by protecting Home Rule, expanding DC’s autonomy, and standing with residents against federal overreach.

Protecting DC’s Right to Self Governance

Our government should answer to the people who live in Washington, DC. That means ensuring the Mayor and Council can set policies on public safety, budgeting, education, and city services without Congress stepping in to override local decisions.

Through the Defend DC framework, my administration will coordinate legal, legislative, and public strategies to protect our autonomy. We will prepare legal responses to congressional interference, build national coalitions with organizations like the ACLU, NAACP, and DC statehood advocates, and raise the political cost when Congress attempts to undermine the will of DC residents.

We will also expand public education about Home Rule so residents understand their rights and the importance of protecting local democracy.

Representation and Statehood

DC residents deserve the same representation as every other American. That means a voting seat in the House of Representatives now and ultimately full representation in Congress with two Senators through DC statehood.

While statehood remains the most direct path to equal representation, my administration will pursue every available legal, legislative, and constitutional pathway to expand DC’s autonomy today. That includes pushing to eliminate the Congressional review period that allows lawmakers from other states to block our laws, ending congressional budget riders that restrict how our city spends its own money, and advocating for limits on presidential authority to interfere in DC’s local government.

Our goal is simple: DC residents should have the same democratic rights as Americans everywhere else.

Defending Home Rule

Home Rule is only as strong as the leaders willing to defend it. As Mayor, I will treat attacks on DC’s autonomy as attacks on the people who live here.

My administration will coordinate closely with the Council and the Attorney General to monitor congressional threats and respond quickly through legal action, public advocacy, and coalition building. We will ensure our budgets are responsible and transparent so Congress cannot use fiscal management as a pretext to interfere with our local decisions.

Defending Home Rule also means strengthening civic education in our schools and ensuring residents understand the stakes when federal lawmakers attempt to override DC laws.

Protecting Residents from Federal Overreach

The DC government must stand between federal enforcement agencies and the residents who live here. Our agencies serve the people of this city, not outside political agendas.

My administration will strengthen sanctuary protections by prohibiting DC agencies from cooperating with immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant and preventing the use of local resources for federal immigration activities. Schools, hospitals, houses of worship, and city facilities will be treated as protected spaces where residents can access services without fear.

We will launch a citywide Know Your Rights campaign so residents understand their constitutional protections, including the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. A legal defense fund will provide representation for residents targeted by federal enforcement actions, ensuring that no one faces the system alone.

Expanding Local Autonomy

DC deserves the authority to govern itself fully. That includes control over our courts, command of the DC National Guard during peacetime, and the ability to make fiscal decisions without congressional interference.

Through long term structural reforms such as expanded Home Rule authority, we will pursue changes that give DC greater legislative independence, control over our own budget, and the ability to modernize our local government to better serve residents.

Autonomy also means a city government that is responsive, transparent, and accountable to the people who live here.

My Commitment

I will fight relentlessly for DC’s right to self governance and equal representation. While continuing to push for statehood and full congressional representation, I will also pursue immediate steps that strengthen our autonomy and protect residents from outside interference.

As Mayor, I will never allow the future of Washington, DC to be dictated by politicians who do not live here.