Washington DC could become the 51st US state

The mayor has all but declared the District's independence

This year, Washington DC is attempting to use its $13bn budget as it sees fit, without seeking Congressional approval

The mayor of Washington DC has called for a citywide vote to grant the nation’s capital statehood.

Mayor Muriel E. Bowser said she wanted residents of the District of Columbia to have the same full citizenship rights as those held by states in the union - such as a vote in the House and two senators.

“I propose we take another bold step toward democracy in the District of Columbia,” Ms Bowser said. “It’s going to require that we send a bold message to Congress and the rest of the country, that we demand not only a vote in the House of Representatives. We demand two senators - the full rights of citizenship in this great nation.”

Ms Bowser addressed a room full of civil rights leaders, Democratic representatives, and DC residents at an event commemorating the city’s abolishment of slavery in 1862, the Washington Post reported.

Washington DC is already in a struggle with Congress as they attempt to gain autonomy over their local budget. According to the Post, since the District is not a full-fledged state, Congress treats it as a federal entity and therefore has to sign off on its budget.

This year, however, the city is attempting to use its $13bn budget as it sees fit, without seeking Congressional approval. Some say the move by Ms Bowser is a declaration of independence in its own right.

“One hundred and fifty-four years after President Lincoln abolished slavery in the District of Columbia,” Ms Bowser said in her 22 March State of the District speech, “we remain at the mercy of those we did not elect to office. It is just not right, and we must stand together until our rights are recognized.”

Washington DC residents will vote on the statehood issue in a November election.