The U.S. Constitution established the District of Columbia to be the home of the newly created federal government so that it was not “in” and thereby “under the control or influence” of any one state.

Put the capital city in New York, and the state would have unequal control over the federal city and government. Ditto for Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.

Statehood isn't something that could happen soon because it would require a constitutional amendment. That would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate and ratification by three-fourths of the states.

So why the conversation?

Because Democrats would like two more Democratic senators and one more congressman without having to change their failed policies that have cost them control of the House and Senate in recent years.

Between 19

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