DC’s delegate candidate plans to target federal lawmakers challenging the city’s autonomy
WASHINGTON (AP) — The District of Columbia’s presumptive incoming delegate to Congress unveiled a strategy Monday to counter Republican interventions in the city’s affairs by sending local…
The presumptive incoming delegate for the District of Columbia's congressional seat, Robert White Jr., has outlined a strategy to counter Republican efforts to limit the city's autonomy. Titled "Defend DC," the mobilization effort aims to recruit, train, and transport local residents to canvass congressional districts in nearby states, particularly those represented by politicians who have backed the deployment of National Guard troops and proposed governance changes in Washington.
White Jr. plans to launch a political action committee to support candidates advocating for D.C. statehood and local control. He emphasized that "Congress has used its power over D.C. to attack us," and urged Washingtonians to "use our collective power to change Congress." The city, though constitutionally subject to federal authority, has elected its own mayor, council, and commissioners since the Home Rule Act of 1973.
Nonetheless, Congress retains substantial control, including budget approval and the passage of D.C. laws. This strategy comes as the city faces multiple challenges to its autonomy during the Trump administration, including the extended deployment of the National Guard, set to continue until 2029. White Jr. specifically targets Rep. John McGuire, a Republican from Virginia, who introduced legislation last year to codify Trump's executive order strengthening security in the District.
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