Photo courtesy of campaign.
Garrett McGuire is running for Virginia House District 17.
This story was updated after the firehouse primary held Sunday, Dec. 28.
Democrats chose Garrett McGuire Sunday, Dec. 28 in a firehouse primary as their nominee for the Virginia House District 17 seat. A longtime public policy professional, he was endorsed by Mark Sickles, who previously held the seat since 2004.
Voters in Virginia House District 17, which encompasses parts of Fairfax County including Franconia, Rose Hill and Huntington, will head to the polls Jan. 20 for a special election to vote for a new delegate, after Sickles was appointed Virginia's Secretary of Finance in Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger's new administration.
Garrett McGuire is described as “a longtime public policy professional, community leader, and advocate for underserved communities in Fairfax County.” Endorsements include Del. Mark Sickles, Fairfax County Board Chair Jeff McKay, former VA Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Fairfax Sheriff Stacey Kincaid, etc. Garrett and his wife live in Fairfax County’s Fair Haven neighborhood with their two daughters.
The vote breakdown from Sunday's firehouse primary was:
- Garrett McGuire: 801 votes (34.0%),
- Joy McManus: 747 votes (31.7%)
- Carla Bustillos: 537 votes (22.8%)
- Russell Brooks: 271 votes (11.5%)
As of Friday, no Republican has announced a run for the seat.
Here's more about the other Democrats who ran for the seat (with descriptions and endorsements from Blue Virginia):
Photo courtesy of campaign
Russell Brooks is running for election to House District 17.
Russell Brooks: "a retired public servant who spent more than two decades serving the United States as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State…deeply rooted in the Fairfax County Democratic community. He is an active member and leader within local Democratic organizations, including serving as Chair of the Northern Virginia Democratic Black Caucus and as a Precinct Captain in the Franconia District.” Endorsements include former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, Arlington Rotary Educational Foundation Chair Tony Weaver.
Photo courtesy of campaign
Carla Bustilla is running for Virginia House District 17.
Carla Bustillos: “a Fairfax County community leader, business owner, and local startup investor who has spent years working alongside families, workers, and entrepreneurs across Northern Virginia.” Endorsements include Clean Virginia (*they’re supporting two candidates, but not officially endorsing), Fairfax County Clerk of the Court Chris Falcon, Del. Alfonso Lopez, Del. Marty Martinez, Del. Michelle Maldonado, Del. Phil Hernandez, Del. Adele McClure Delegate-elect Elizabeth Guzman, Delegate-elect Jessica Anderson, Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez, CASA in Action, JUNTOs, etc.
Photo courtesy of campaign.
Joy McManus is running for the Virginia House District 17 seat.
Joy McManus: “a Virginia educator, public safety advocate, and gun violence prevention champion running as a proud Democrat for the Virginia House of Delegates in District 17.” Endorsements include VA Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, Franconia District (Fairfax County) Supervisor Rodney Lusk, Former Franconia District/Fairfax School Board member Tammy Kaufax, Clean Virginia (*they’re supporting two candidates, but not officially endorsing).
In-person voting took place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at three different locations:
- Franconia Governmental Center (6121 Franconia Road)
- Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Alexandria (6421 Richmond Highway)
- Hotel Belvoir Springfield (6550 Loisdale Road)
Sickles recently ran for reelection, taking 77% of the vote in November against a Republican challenger.
