DC Statehood Commission Votes For New Columbia As Potential Future Name

Bridget Reed Morawski

WASHINGTON — (WMAL) The D.C. Statehood Commission voted in favor of using New Columbia as the name for the nation’s capital if it becomes the 51st state.

The commission – composed of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, Shadow Representative Franklin Garcia, and Shadow Senators Michael Brown and Paul Strauss – chose the name based on a 1982 referendum asking residents of the District for their preference.

Maybe the name was popular in 1982, but it isn’t exactly gathering a lot of popular support now. Some people in the media saying the name is just really boring.

Yet Elinor Hart, of the D.C Statehood Coalition, actually says she likes the name, and thinks that the naming decision will help with generating momentum in Congress. Hart doesn’t think that the name will make-or-break the struggle for statehood.

“Because it has an exciting name, I don’t think that that is going to get it passed, [or] make it a reality,” said Hart.

“What state does have an exciting name?” she asked.

While an exciting name might not be a priority, one that functions for local residents is – and a few have taken to Twitter to express their concerns for the new name.

If #DCStatehood they want to call it ‘New Columbia’. Gr8 but what abt abbreviations? NC = N Carolina. Traffic & storm emergencies? How note?

— Jus’Curious (@juskurius) June 17, 2016

Def into #DCStatehood but not psyched about “New Columbia” – hey @MayorBowser how bout “district commonwealth” so we can keep the DC name?

— Oliver Cox (@oliverhcox) June 17, 2016