Black Barbers Weigh Midterms and D.C. Control

Barbershop conversations in Washington reveal voters' views on the 2026 midterm elections and federal oversight of the city.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a simplified dome silhouette rising above a horizon in navy, cream, and oxblood, evoking civic debate over Washington's governance. — Barbers and customers in Washington, D.C. weighed the 2026 midterms and President Donald Trump's push for greater federal control over the city during haircuts across from Howard University. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should Washington, D.C. residents keep the right to elect their own mayor and council?

Barbers and customers at Best Cuts Barber Shop, across from Howard University, discussed the 2026 midterm elections and political concerns during haircuts. The talks followed President Donald Trump's suggestion that Washington be placed under greater federal control.

Why it matters

The conversations reflect how D.C. residents view federal authority over their city, which is governed under the 1973 Home Rule Act. Any move to repeal that law would require congressional action, keeping residents' local voting rights at the center of the debate.

The Home Rule Act of 1973 gave District residents the right to elect a mayor and council while preserving congressional authority over the city. The interviewed voters' age range spans 36 to 59, and it is not reported whether their views are representative of the wider electorate.

The players

Donald Trump

Trump is the current President of the United States, who has suggested placing Washington under greater federal control.

Howard University

Howard University is a historically Black private research university in Washington, D.C., located near Best Cuts Barber Shop.

The details

Conversations about politics and education took place during haircuts at Best Cuts Barber Shop, where owner Jay Staten discussed the midterms with longtime customer Johnnie Battle. Battle, who has been a customer since age 13, said the Department of Education will be gone soon, while independent voter Odai Sayyad and Edges Barber Shop owner Joseph Keller also shared their political views.

1973: The Home Rule Act gave D.C. residents the right to elect a mayor and council.
June: President Donald Trump suggested placing Washington under greater federal control.
2026: Midterm elections are underway as barbershop political discussions take place.

Civic Engagement Context

The Home Rule Act of 1973 established the right of District residents to elect a mayor and council, while preserving congressional authority over the city. Current debate over federal control tests the limits of that compromise, and any repeal would require congressional action.

Changes to D.C.'s governance structure would directly affect residents' ability to elect their local mayor and council. Any shift toward greater federal control would require congressional action, so voters should watch for proposed legislation.

The takeaway

Local voting rights in Washington rest on a 1973 law that only Congress can change. Residents who want to follow the debate should track any bills that would alter the Home Rule Act.