Opinion of Puerto Rico

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The last time new states were admitted to the Union, there were partisan considerations as well. Republicans were wary of admitting Alaska, seeing it as a Democratic stronghold, while Democrats were sceptical about Hawaii, seeing it as a Republican stronghold. So admitting both preserved some balance (ironically, of course, Alaska went to become a GOP stronghold, while Hawaii is extremely Democratic).

Both Puerto Rico and D.C. will naturally give Democrats the advantage and there is no other possible new state to balance it (Guam is the most Republican of territories, but its just too small in population to become a state).

[Virginiá]

Both Puerto Rico and D.C. will naturally give Democrats the advantage and there is no other possible new state to balance it (Guam is the most Republican of territories, but its just too small in population to become a state).

Do you think it's plausible that Democrats could try to do this for at least one of those, with or without the GOP next time they get significant majorities?

Also, they could allow part of a state to secede from another. Eastern Washington and part of Colorado have expressed that desire if only in passing as they are rapidly losing a common interest with the significantly more liberal / populated portions of their states.

(Also, I'm a bit cautious to consider the filibuster as I have a feeling, even a hope, that it will be significantly altered to prevent obstruction in the near future)

[🦀🎂🦀🎂]

Both Puerto Rico and D.C. will naturally give Democrats the advantage and there is no other possible new state to balance it (Guam is the most Republican of territories, but its just too small in population to become a state).

Do you think it's plausible that Democrats could try to do this for at least one of those, with or without the GOP next time they get significant majorities?

Also, they could allow part of a state to secede from another. Eastern Washington and part of Colorado have expressed that desire if only in passing as they are rapidly losing a common interest with the significantly more liberal / populated portions of their states.

(Also, I'm a bit cautious to consider the filibuster as I have a feeling, even a hope, that it will be significantly altered to prevent obstruction in the near future)

Would open a can of worms. Also would end up with hilariously selfish moves, like rich areas trying to secede so they don't have to fund poor areas or political parties gerrymandering on an state scale.

[Middle-aged Europe]

Both Puerto Rico and D.C. will naturally give Democrats the advantage and there is no other possible new state to balance it (Guam is the most Republican of territories, but its just too small in population to become a state).

You could try to merge Guam with the nearby Northern Mariana Islands and admit it as a state... but it still would have only a third of the population of Wyoming.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Both Puerto Rico and D.C. will naturally give Democrats the advantage and there is no other possible new state to balance it (Guam is the most Republican of territories, but its just too small in population to become a state).

Do you think it's plausible that Democrats could try to do this for at least one of those, with or without the GOP next time they get significant majorities?

Also, they could allow part of a state to secede from another. Eastern Washington and part of Colorado have expressed that desire if only in passing as they are rapidly losing a common interest with the significantly more liberal / populated portions of their states.

(Also, I'm a bit cautious to consider the filibuster as I have a feeling, even a hope, that it will be significantly altered to prevent obstruction in the near future)

Would open a can of worms. Also would end up with hilariously selfish moves, like rich areas trying to secede so they don't have to fund poor areas or political parties gerrymandering on an state scale.

I, for one, would love to see the United States shaping into some sort of the Holy Roman Empire, with hundreds of small states.

Just think about that:

Free Federal City of New York
Free Federal City of Butte
State of Delaware-Wilmington
State of Delaware-Dover
Sovereign LDS Salt Lake Temple
Sovereign Gold Base of the Church of Scientology

Bonus if some states are noncontiguous

[Okay, maybe Mike Johnson is a competent parliamentarian.]

Bonus if some states are noncontiguous

Killington to New Hampshire!

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Bonus if some states are noncontiguous

Killington to New Hampshire!

The State of United Mercer Counties (also laying a claim to Cottle County, Texas)

[The Arizonan]

Why was Alaska a Democratic stronghold and why was Hawaii a Republic stronghold several decades ago?

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Why was Alaska a Democratic stronghold and why was Hawaii a Republic stronghold several decades ago?

Maybe Hawaii wasn't as much a Republican stronghold as competetive state.