The DC Statehood Congressional Delegation are duly elected official representatives to the District of Columbia. The positions, sometimes called “shadow senator” and “shadow representative,” are non-voting members of the US Senate and House of Representatives. They serve as liaisons to the US Senate and the House on behalf DC residents in their attempt to gain federal representation, self-determination and eventually admittance to the union as the nation’s 51st state.
 
The name was based on the traditional practice of the official opposition appointing shadow cabinets in parliamentary systems. Just as the shadow cabinet, operates with a portfolio in waiting ready to assume leadership upon the change in government, the shadow senators were elected also in waiting, ready to assume their representative duties immediately upon their jurisdiction's admission to the union.
 
The primary function of the Shadow Senators and Representatives are to inform and advocate to Congress on behalf of DC residents’ rights to gain full federal representation and self-determination. The Shadow Delegation also explains to Congress that DC citizens meet the traditional standards for achieving statehood and deserve the right to have control over their local affairs as well as a voice in national affairs. Furthermore, the delegation monitors the progress of DC’s petition to gain statehood.
 
“Statehood merely represents the vehicle by which District citizens; citizens of this United States—are afforded the same citizenship rights as all other United States citizens. No more! No less!”—former Congressman William H. Gray (D-PA).

Learn more about the Congressional Delegation