Morella, 84, is a former US representative who served Maryland’s 8th Congressional District from 1987 to 2003. She was elected eight times despite being a Republican—a moderate one—in a district that consisted mostly of liberal Montgomery County. Still in public service, she sits on a handful of boards and teaches a seminar on women in politics at American University.
“I loved Congress. I’m still a political junkie. I chair the Franklin Center, which does outreach work with members of Congress. I work on what I think they need—getting to know each other. When they do that, they can disagree, but they listen to each other. I once did a fellowship at Harvard, where I taught a class—‘An Endangered Species: The Moderate in the US House of Representatives.’ I’d have to say now it’s an extinct species. I hope we can get the middle back. I have to chuckle when people say, ‘You’re the only Republican I ever voted for.’”
Sherri Dalphonse joined Washingtonian in 1986 as an editorial intern, and worked her way to the top of the masthead when she was named editor-in-chief in 2022. She oversees the magazine’s editorial staff, and guides the magazine’s stories and direction. She lives in DC.
You Must Remember…Connie Morella
The moderate Republican won eight terms representing Montgomery County.
“People Have Lost Their Trust in Congress”
—Connie Morella
Morella, 84, is a former US representative who served Maryland’s 8th Congressional District from 1987 to 2003. She was elected eight times despite being a Republican—a moderate one—in a district that consisted mostly of liberal Montgomery County. Still in public service, she sits on a handful of boards and teaches a seminar on women in politics at American University.
“I loved Congress. I’m still a political junkie. I chair the Franklin Center, which does outreach work with members of Congress. I work on what I think they need—getting to know each other. When they do that, they can disagree, but they listen to each other. I once did a fellowship at Harvard, where I taught a class—‘An Endangered Species: The Moderate in the US House of Representatives.’ I’d have to say now it’s an extinct species. I hope we can get the middle back. I have to chuckle when people say, ‘You’re the only Republican I ever voted for.’”
Sherri Dalphonse joined Washingtonian in 1986 as an editorial intern, and worked her way to the top of the masthead when she was named editor-in-chief in 2022. She oversees the magazine’s editorial staff, and guides the magazine’s stories and direction. She lives in DC.
Most Popular in News & Politics
Best of Washington 2024: Things to Eat, Drink, Shop, Do, and Know
Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2024
What It Felt Like for a Virginia Marching Band to Win Metallica’s Contest
What’s IN and OUT in DC Restaurant Trends for 2024
Washingtonian Magazine
August: Great Festivals & Fairs
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
Best of Washington 2024: Where to Eat and Drink
Best of Washington 2024: Things to Do
Best of Washington 2024: Where to Shop
Best of Washington 2024: Things to Know
More from News & Politics
Mubadala Citi Open 2024 Is Putting Mics on Players and Hosting Michelin-Star Chefs
Why Is Babydog in All These Famous Artworks?
Varsity Pickleball Will Come to All Montgomery County High Schools This Fall
Can Any Town in the US Dethrone Arlington as the Nation’s Fittest Place?
I Saw “Twisters” in 4DX. I Didn’t Realize It Was a Comedy.
A Gen-Zer’s Guide to Kamala Harris Memes
MAP: How to Get Around DC During Benjamin Netanyahu’s Visit This Week
Olympics 2024: These DC-Area Athletes Will Compete in Paris