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Bill

AJR 138

Urges Congress enact legislation granting statehood to Washington, D.C.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Carol Murphy

New Jersey urges Congress to enact legislation granting statehood to Washington, D.C., expanding political representation for 700,000+ residents.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AJR 138

Legislative bill overview

AJR 138 is a New Jersey joint resolution that urges the U.S. Congress to pass legislation granting statehood to Washington, D.C. The bill does not directly change New Jersey law but instead calls on the federal government to take action on D.C. statehood. This represents New Jersey's formal legislative position on a federal policy matter.

Why is this important

D.C. statehood is a consequential but contentious national issue affecting 700,000+ residents who currently have limited voting representation in Congress. The outcome would reshape the electoral map, alter Senate composition, and raise fundamental questions about governance of the nation's capital. State legislatures passing resolutions on this issue signals shifting political momentum and gauges public sentiment across the country.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional complexity: D.C. statehood may require constitutional amendment rather than simple legislation, making the bill's request technically problematic
  • Political partisanship: D.C. statehood is viewed as advantageous to Democrats (D.C. leans heavily Democratic), making Republican opposition predictable and the issue deeply partisan
  • Federal district purpose: Debate exists over whether converting D.C. into a state compromises its intended function as a neutral federal seat of government

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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