Defend D.C.: Council Member Robert White to Take Statehood Fight on the Road

August 25, 2026

D.C. Councilmember Robert White has launched "Defend DC," an initiative that sends District residents to campaign for Democratic candidates in competitive congressional races across the country as part of his delegate campaign strategy. The effort aims to build a Democratic House majority that would protect D.C.'s local autonomy and advance statehood goals, particularly in response to over 130 Republican-sponsored bills targeting District governance. White also established the DC51 Leadership PAC to strengthen national partnerships and defend Home Rule if he wins the November election.

Who is affected

D.C. residents and Robert White (at-large councilmember and delegate candidate)
District residents participating in Defend DC canvassing efforts
Democratic congressional candidates in targeted districts (Virginia's 5th District candidate Tom Perriello, Tennessee's 9th District candidate Justin J. Pearson)
Republican Rep. John McGuire (Virginia)
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.)
The Trump administration
D.C.'s local governance and autonomy

What action is being taken

Robert White is running a D.C. delegate campaign
Defend DC is dispatching District residents to canvass in other congressional districts for Democratic candidates
The DC51 Leadership PAC has been launched (as of August 24)
Defend DC coalition members are making visits to congressional districts in the 60+ days leading up to the November 3 general election
Congressional Republicans are introducing bills, amendments, and riders targeting District autonomy (over 130 total)
The U.S. Senate is likely exploring a House-passed bill requiring congressional approval for local tax code changes

Why it matters

This initiative represents a strategic approach to protecting D.C.'s autonomy and advancing statehood by building political alliances beyond the District's borders. With Republicans introducing over 130 measures to interfere with D.C.'s local governance—including bills to control the tax code and restore the death penalty—the outcome of congressional races directly impacts the District's ability to govern itself. White considers this a uniquely favorable moment for achieving statehood, making the effort to secure Democratic allies in Congress particularly critical. The campaign also highlights how D.C. has become a testing ground for broader authoritarian impulses, making its struggle for self-governance relevant to democratic concerns nationwide.

What's next

Defend DC will spend Labor Day weekend canvassing in Virginia's 5th Congressional District
Plans for canvassing in New Jersey and Pennsylvania will be announced
The November 3 general election will determine both White's delegate race and the congressional races Defend DC is supporting
If White wins in November, the DC51 Leadership PAC would work to strengthen national partnerships, defend Home Rule, and advance D.C. statehood

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer