Alexandria voters will have some important choices to make on June 12, as they choose candidates for city offices and a Republican candidate to run for U.S. Senate.
U.S. Senate Republican Primary
Since Virginia is an open primary state, any registered voter—Democrat, Republican, Independent—can vote in the Republican primary.
The winner of the Republican primary for U.S. Senate will face Sen. Tim Kaine, who is running for re-election in November.
The Republican primary candidates for U.S. Senate are:
Nick J. Freitas – Freitas is currently a Virginia House Delegate in the 30th District. On his website, he highlights endorsement by the National Association for Gun Rights and his 100 percent rating with the National Rifle Association (NRA) and Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL). He also earned an endorsement from Americans for Prosperity, a group seeks lower taxes, less government regulation and economic prosperity for all. nick4senate.com.
E.W. Jackson – Jackson was the Republican Party nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in the 2013 election. He is a lawyer and minister. His website notes his development of “a comprehensive private sector solution to the problems of the inner city, called Project Awakening.” He opposes bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and he believes parents should have choice in education. ewjackson.com.
Corey A. Stewart – Stewart is currently the At-Large Chairman of the Board of County Supervisors in Prince William County. According to his website, “Corey unapologetically stands with President Trump and will fight for his America First Agenda.” coreystewart.com
In addition to the Republican Party’s U.S. Senate primary, City of Alexandria residents will be voting in a primary election for the City’s candidates for mayor and city council.
Alexandria City Mayor
Photos courtesy of campaigns
Allison Silberberg, Justin Wilson
Current Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg is running against current Vice Mayor Justin M. Wilson.
The winner of the June 12 primary may face a Republican or Independent candidate for mayor in November.
For both mayor and city council positions, Alexandria Republicans will choose a candidate Thursday, June 7, and Independents have until June 12 to file an intent to run for office.
Silberberg is aiming to “pursue thoughtful, appropriate development that fits in, is to scale, and protects our neighborhoods and quality of life.” She also wants to “grow our commercial tax base in a balanced way with a staunch commitment to economic sustainability and fiscal responsibility.” She is a former Vice Mayor of Alexandria and former City Council member. Learn more about her at www.allisonsilberberg.com.
Wilson is serving his third term on Alexandria’s City Council. His focus includes making Alexandria “a community where our children have every opportunity at success, our economy diversifies and grows, and our community’s livability is enriched by quality transit, parks, open space and housing.” Learn more about him at www.justin.net.
Alexandria City Council
There are 12 candidates for Alexandria City Council, competing for just six seats — and Republican and Independent candidates have not yet been announced.
Several of the candidates are new to Alexandria politics. Current City Council Member Timothy Lovain is not running for re-election, and Wilson is giving up his seat to run for mayor. City Council terms are three years.
Here are the candidates running for Alexandria City Council in the June 12 primary, their websites and other information. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. Current council members are noted with an asterisk (*).
Canek Aguirre — Aguirre describes himself as “a community advocate and progressive leader focused on improving the lives of all Alexandrians.” He is current chair of the City of Alexandria’s Economic Opportunities Commission. Canek says he “will work to increase housing opportunities, invest in our public schools, and to improve health outcomes.” canekforcouncil.com
Willie F. Bailey, Sr.* — Bailey calls himself a “pragmatic and a no-nonsense advocate” for residents. He is seeking his second term on the Alexandria City Council. He supports workforce development programs, affordable housing, investment in youth and schools, and expanding the commercial tax base. bailey4council.com
Elizabeth B. Bennett-Parker — Bennett-Parker leads Together We Bake, a nonprofit organization that provides job training and personal development for women, and founder of Fruitcycle. She serves on the Community Criminal Justice Board and several local organizations. She is passionate about expanding employment opportunities, strengthening schools and ensuring inclusiveness. elizabethforalx.com
John Taylor Chapman* — Chapman is seeking his third term on the Alexandria City Council and has served on boards and commissions in Alexandria for more than 13 years. An Alexandria native, “He believes that every Alexandrian should be able to raise a family, afford their housing, have access to high-quality education, start a business, and enjoy the unique and vibrant culture of Alexandria,” according to his website. chapman4council.com
Matthew S. “Matt” Feely — Feely says he “recognizes that city council exists to ensure that city government serves all Alexandrians — in every neighborhood — whatever their age; gender; livelihood; lifestyle choice; racial, ethnic, or religious affiliation.” He plans to make analysis-based decisions about Alexandria’s finances and invest in infrastructure and education. mattfeely.org
Derek M. “Dak” Hardwick — Hardwick’s campaign focuses on the Empower Alexandria plan, a community-based vision for Alexandria based on economic sustainability, livability and community involvement. Hardwick is a former chair of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. empoweralx.com
J. Chris Hubbard — Hubbard is an architect who focuses on livable development and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. He says he “will bridge the professional gap that exists on the Alexandria City Council, to build a healthier, pedestrian-friendly (sustainable, transit oriented, environmentally friendly) lifestyle.” chrisforhealthieralexandria.blog
Amy B. Jackson — A former educator, Jackson is involved in numerous Alexandria commissions, programs, and non-profit organizations. She pledges to invest in affordable housing, schools, economic revitalization, and higher pay for teachers and first responders. amyjacksonva.com
Redella S. “Del” Pepper* — Pepper is seeking her 12th term on the Alexandria City Council. “My vision for Alexandria is of a diverse city with liveable and safe neighborhoods, where children are well-educated, the elderly are well-served, and the arts are valued; a city with clean air, ample and accessible parks and open spaces, and a sound economy where businesses prosper and affordable housing is a priority,” Pepper says on her website. delpepper.com
Robert Ray IV — Owner of Cavalier Antiques in Old Town, Ray is running on a platform around livability with smart, green planning, safe and healthy schools, and “transparent government that connects to its citizens.” robertray4council.org
Mo Seifeldein — An attorney and small business owner, Seifeldein “is committed to making Alexandria a more prosperous, inclusive city that supports its residents by facilitating responsible economic development and improving critical city services.” moseif4council.com
Paul C. Smedberg* — Smedberg is seeking his sixth council term. He pledges to continue to advocate for core infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, quality schools, accountable and efficient government services and more. paulsmedberg.org
