Why Republicans Must Shrink D.C. Before It’s Too Late

A Capital Idea: Retrocession, Not Statehood

In the heart of the swamp, where the Potomac River meanders through marble edifices and murky political waters, Washington, D.C., stands as a peculiar anomaly. Neither state nor fully integrated into any other, the District of Columbia has been a perennial thorn in the side of representative democracy—a cause célèbre for Democrats eager to score two additional Senate seats. While the Radical Left Democrats may dream of turning the nation's capital into a fortress of progressive power, the solution lies not in statehood but in retrocession.

Republicans, now holding the trifecta of power with President-elect Trump returning to the White House in January, along with majorities in both houses of Congress, have a narrow but golden opportunity to act. Retrocession—reducing the federal district to its constitutional core while returning the remaining land to Maryland—is the answer that resolves representation concerns, strengthens governance, and preserves the Founders' vision of a neutral federal seat of power.

Representation Without Distortion

Let us begin with the most oft-cited grievance from the Democrats: representation. It is true that D.C.’s residents, numbering over 700,000, lack voting representation in Congress. This issue is no trivial matter. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights advocates historically linked D.C.'s lack of representation to broader struggles for racial justice and equality. Since D.C. has a historically significant Black population, the disenfranchisement of its residents has been portrayed as a continuation of systemic inequities.

As D.C.'s non-voting delegate to the House of Representatives, Eleanor Holmes Norton has tirelessly championed the case for representation. She often underscores the fundamental unfairness of D.C. residents paying federal taxes, serving in the military, and fulfilling all obligations of citizenship without full congressional representation. In her own words:

"D.C. residents pay the highest per-capita federal income taxes in the United States, fight in wars, and serve on juries, yet are denied the representation they deserve."

This grievance taps into the core democratic principle that governance requires consent, a principle rooted in the American Revolution's rallying cry against taxation without representation. Additionally, prominent Democrats like Rep. Jamie Raskin argue that denying representation to D.C. residents undermines the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Even in the 19th century, John Quincy Adams described the disenfranchisement of D.C. residents as an affront to constitutional principles. He believed that a government deriving its authority from the consent of the governed could not justifiably exclude any segment of its population.

Yet, statehood is not the only solution. Retrocession would integrate D.C.’s residents into Maryland, giving them two senators and representation in the House—all without upending the balance of power in the Senate. The solution is elegant in its simplicity and avoids the political land grab that statehood represents.

Imagine, if you will, a nation where every urban enclave with a grievance demanded statehood. Shall Brooklyn declare independence next? Or how about Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills? This slippery slope undermines the federal structure carefully constructed by our Founding Fathers. Retrocession achieves representation without setting such a dangerous precedent.

Protecting the Republic from Political Manipulation

D.C. statehood is not just a Democratic talking point; it is a strategy—one designed to solidify their grip on the Senate by adding two permanent Democratic senators. Consider the reality: Washington, D.C., is one of the most overwhelmingly Democratic jurisdictions in the country, with over 90% of its residents routinely voting blue. The Founders’ careful checks and balances are already strained; granting statehood to D.C. would exacerbate partisan divides and tilt the scales irreparably.

By pursuing retrocession, Republicans can defuse this ticking political time bomb while ensuring the District’s residents receive the representation they seek. Maryland gains the population, Congress maintains its balance, and the nation avoids creating a hyper-powerful state within its borders.

Governance: From Dysfunction to Competence

Even ardent supporters of D.C. statehood must admit that the District’s governance leaves much to be desired. D.C. has long been plagued by mismanagement, high crime rates, and inefficiency. Returning the majority of the District to Maryland would place its governance under a more competent state government with established institutions and resources.

It is a truth universally acknowledged—outside the pages of the Washington Compost, of course—that local government in D.C. is a mess. Retrocession would inject new life and accountability into the city’s administration, delivering better outcomes for its residents. Maryland, with its broader tax base and experience managing diverse urban and rural areas, is far better equipped to handle the needs of D.C. residents.

Upholding the Founders’ Vision

James Madison, in Federalist No. 43, articulated the importance of a federal district independent from state control. He understood that placing the seat of government under the jurisdiction of any state could lead to undue influence, favoritism, or coercion. But Madison’s vision was not one of sprawling neighborhoods and bureaucratic inefficiency. It was a vision of a compact, focused seat of federal power, distinct from but not at odds with the states.

Retrocession honors this vision. By reducing the federal district to its essential core—the Capitol, White House, Supreme Court, and other critical federal buildings—we preserve the neutrality of the federal government. At the same time, we ensure that the District’s residents are no longer disenfranchised. The Founders’ intent remains intact, and the Republic’s stability is preserved.

The Precedent is Clear

To those who argue that retrocession would require a constitutional amendment, history provides a rebuttal. In 1846, Congress retroceded the portion of D.C. south of the Potomac River back to Virginia. This precedent demonstrates that Congress has the authority to act decisively on this matter without the arduous process of amending the Constitution. With plenary power over the District, Congress can legislate retrocession, sidestepping the labyrinth of constitutional hurdles.

Yes, there remains the issue of the 23rd Amendment, which grants the District three electoral votes. But this too can be resolved. With no permanent residents in the shrunken federal district, these electoral votes would be moot. Congress could amend or leave the amendment intact, rendering it irrelevant in practice.

Timing is Everything

The clock is ticking. With Trump’s new administration poised to take office and Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, the time to act is now. Maryland will need time to incorporate its new citizens and territory, and the 2030 census looms large. By acting swiftly, Republicans can ensure a smooth transition, proper representation for D.C. residents, and the preservation of constitutional principles.

The Democrats are unlikely to let the matter lie if they regain power. Statehood remains a key priority for their agenda, and without action, Republicans risk losing the chance to resolve this issue on their terms. Retrocession offers a solution that satisfies fairness while safeguarding the Republic from partisan manipulation.

Conclusion: A Bold Step for the Future

Retrocession is not merely a political maneuver; it is a reaffirmation of the Founders’ vision and a practical solution to a thorny problem. It resolves the lack of representation for D.C. residents without granting undue power to one political party. It places the District’s governance into more capable hands, ensuring better outcomes for its citizens. And it preserves the neutrality of the federal seat of power while honoring Madison’s wisdom.

In this moment, Republicans have the opportunity to lead with conviction and clarity. Retrocession is the path forward—a bold, decisive step that ensures the nation’s capital remains a symbol of unity, not division. The time to act is now.

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