Biden Becomes 18th Candidate to Endorse D.C. Statehood With 51 Votes in the Senate, Bypassing Filibuster, Ahead of Crucial South Carolina Primary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:“Vice President Biden has been fighting for representation for D.C. for decades and we’re proud to have him as an ally in this fight,” said 51 for 51 advocate Ty Hobson-Powell. “He’s been around Washington a long time and knows how to get things done and this endorsement is another example of that. The people of Washington D.C. have been waiting for over 200 years for a vote that counts in Congress and the only real path to that vote is with 51 votes in the Senate. We’re excited to have the support of Vice President Biden and 17 other current and former presidential candidates.”
The endorsement comes as part of a broader push by 51 for 51 around the South Carolina primary. Today, veterans and 51 for 51 advocates held a press conference calling on candidates to support a real, viable path to D.C. statehood. In addition, Charleston NAACP President Dot Scott penned an op-ed in the Post and Courier last week in support of our efforts while South Carolina State Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter filmed a video to support 51 for 51. The campaign also released videos on what statehood would mean for our democracy, representation for D.C. residents, and the fight to prevent gun violence in America.
The following candidates have joined the call for D.C. statehood with 51 votes in the Senate: