Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives · District of Columbia

What are your two top priorities and how will you make them happen?

My top priorities are ending federal income taxation for DC residents and ensuring children can read and write proficiently by the end of third grade. I would introduce a DC income-tax exemption bill and work with the House Ways and Means Committee to build bipartisan support. On education, I would pursue legislation establishing a third-grade proficiency standard, paired with early screening, tutoring, and appropriate support for students with disabilities and English learners. Both priorities require clear legislation, coalition building, and accountability for results.

How will you use this job to protect our rights and keep Congress and the President out of our local government business?

I would defend residents’ constitutional rights and local self-government while recognizing Congress’s constitutional authority over the federal district. I would oppose arbitrary interference with DC’s locally funded budget and work across party lines to protect essential services. Federal involvement should have a clear lawful purpose, defined limits, and accountability. I support cooperation on public safety, but misconduct and violations of residents’ rights must be addressed. Local officials must also answer for how they spend our money and serve our communities.

What are your two top priorities and how will you make them happen?

First, I will fight for D.C. statehood and defend home rule by building coalitions in Congress, advancing statehood legislation, and opposing federal interference in our local laws and budget. D.C. residents deserve full representation and the ability to govern themselves. Second, I will focus on creating economic opportunity by supporting small businesses, investing in workforce development, and expanding pathways to good-paying jobs. I will work to ensure federal resources reach underserved communities and help build long-term economic stability.

How will you use this job to protect our rights and keep Congress and the President out of our local government business?

I will use every tool available to defend D.C.’s autonomy and protect residents’ rights. That means working early in the legislative process to block harmful riders and federal interference in our budget, laws, and public safety policies. I will build strong relationships with House and Senate leadership, the Congressional Black Caucus, and key committees to stop attacks before they reach the floor. I will also use oversight, public advocacy, and coalition building to hold the administration accountable when it overreaches. At the same time, I will push for D.C. statehood—the only permanent solution—to ensure our residents have full representation and the power to govern ourselves without interference.

Should the Delegate be involved in the push for statehood? Why or why not?

The Delegate should address DC’s lack of voting representation, but I do not believe statehood is an achievable solution under the current constitutional and political circumstances. The Constitution establishes a federal district, and any change must respect that framework. I would focus on relief we can pursue now: ending federal income taxation for DC residents, protecting local self-government, and securing fair treatment in federal funding. Residents deserve concrete results while the larger debate continues.

How will you show people across the country that DC does not have full and fair voting rights?

I would explain it plainly: DC residents pay federal income taxes, serve in our military, and follow federal laws, yet we have no voting senators and our House Delegate cannot vote on final passage of legislation. Through congressional testimony, national media, and partnerships across the country, I would make that disparity clear. I would connect the issue to a concrete proposal: ending federal income taxation for DC residents. People across party lines can understand the unfairness of taxation without full voting representation.

Should the Delegate be involved in the push for statehood? Why or why not?

Yes. The Delegate must be at the forefront of the fight for D.C. statehood because it is fundamentally a civil rights and democracy issue. More than 700,000 residents—disproportionately Black—pay federal taxes, serve the country, and yet have no voting representation in Congress and limited control over local laws. The Delegate is uniquely positioned to build coalitions, advance legislation, and keep national attention on this injustice. That means working with congressional leadership, the Congressional Black Caucus, and national advocates to move statehood forward while also defending home rule against federal interference. Statehood is the only permanent solution to secure full representation and protect local autonomy.

How will you show people across the country that DC does not have full and fair voting rights?

I will use hearings, speeches, and media to highlight that more than 700,000 residents—disproportionately Black—pay federal taxes, serve the country, and yet have no voting representation in Congress. I will build coalitions with members, the Congressional Black Caucus, and national organizations to keep this issue visible. I will also engage communities nationwide to connect D.C.’s fight to broader struggles for voting rights and democracy. By telling our story and building pressure, we can show that D.C. statehood is about fairness, equality, and representation.

D.C. autonomy

I have never seen my city more vulnerable than we are right now.