As the effort to end the disenfranchisement of over 712,000 Americans is becoming better-known across the country, it is important to know where the American people stand on the issue of D.C. Statehood. Recent events have made clear how urgent the need for D.C. statehood is. In June 2020 The Trump Administration ordered the tear-gassing of peaceful protesters, and then in January 2021 President Trump initially denied the request to deploy D.C.’s National Guard during the assault on the Capitol.
Three consecutive surveys, all conducted by different pollsters and with different sponsors, have found more Americans favor than oppose statehood for Washington, D.C. There is evidence that support for D.C. statehood has increased over time, with one pollster finding a 9-point increase from January 2019 to September 2020. These surveys were each conducted by well-known polling organizations. They all used neutral--but different--wording, increasing confidence that Americans’ views are reflected accurately in the results. D.C. residents themselves voted in favor of statehood, with 86% in support, in a 2016 referendum.
Recent Polling on D.C. Statehood
Notes: Lake Research asked “Do You Support Or Oppose Granting Statehood, Including Full Representation In Congress, For Residents Of Washington, D.C.?” Data for Progress asked “Would you support or oppose granting statehood, including full representation in Congress, to Washington, D.C., currently a Federal District?” The New York Times/Siena College asked “Tell me whether you support or oppose each of the following - Statehood for Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.” Lake Research fielded Aug. 10-14, 2020. Data for Progress fielded Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2020. New York Times/Siena College fielded Sept. 22-24, 2020.
It is worth noting that one outdated survey conducted prior to 2020 used unusual and confusing question wording about making D.C. “a separate state” and found a different result. That language does not accurately describe the recent legislation to grant D.C. statehood, since the bill would grant D.C. representation and autonomy but not make D.C. more “separate” than it is today. But considering there have been three surveys conducted since then by respected pollsters using neutral and straightforward language, it is safe to conclude this outlying result is not representative of public opinion.
As journalists cover D.C. statehood and elected officials consider this issue, they should know what the public thinks. Recent polling is clear--Americans favor statehood for D.C.