Missouri House of Representatives District 23

Barbara Washington Franklin knows that the path to D.C. Statehood requires an independent approach, because, as she says “DC Statehood isn’t a partisan issue, it’s a civil rights issue.” Many believe that Franklin’s experience bridging the partisan divide, navigating Capitol Hill, and reputation for getting things done are the leadership qualities necessary to turn the D.C. Statehood moment into momentum. Franklin began her career as a social worker protecting vulnerable children in the New Jersey foster care system. Upon attaining her law degree from Rutgers University, she served as a public advocate on behalf of the New York City Corporation Counsel. Her commitment and passion for public service led her to relocate to Washington, D.C. and promote the interests of District residents as Minority Chief Counsel and Staff Director to the U.S. House Committee on the District of Columbia. As a result of her advocacy for District residents on Capitol Hill, Franklin was appointed to serve as the Assistant City Administrator for Intergovernmental Relations for the District of Columbia.