Another resident has announced intentions to run for City Council in Alexandria — James Lewis.
Lewis has been involved with a number of Alexandria boards and commissions and has been active in the Alexandria Democratic Committee.
"I'm running for City Council to keep our City moving forward," Lewis said in his campaign announcement. "From my time on the Hill to City Boards, I have worked with neighbors to find real solutions that make our community better, safer and fairer. On Council, I will bring my experience listening to neighbors and developing collaborative solutions to address the major challenges facing our City: affordable housing, climate change-driven flooding, infrastructural needs, long-term ecologically sustainability and equal opportunity for all.”
Lewis has served on numerous City Boards and Commissions including the Traffic and Parking Board (current chairman), Transportation Commission and Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee. He currently sits on the Alexandria Sheriff's Community Services Advisory Board where he leverages his expertise in long-term health care to support resident health and safety, including establishing a medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment program within the jail.
Lewis is the current Vice President of the West End Business Association (WEBA) and organized WEBA's inaugural Best of the West event in August. He is co-founder of the Holmes Run Civic Association, and previously served as an officer on the North Old Town Independent Citizens Association (NOTICe). He has also been a condo building president.
Lewis lives and works in Alexandria. He is currently the Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy for the professional society representing pharmacists who specialize in long-term and senior care. Before joining the association, he held senior-level roles supporting two members of the Congressional Black Caucus: Reps. Barbara Lee (D-California) and Robin Kelly (D-Illinois) He has additional experience working on national security, nonproliferation, manufacturing, trade and building/construction issues.
Lewis holds a Master’s degree from the U.S. Army War College and a Bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary. While he currently lives on the West End with his husband, Trevor A. Riley of Richmond, VA, he has previously lived in North Old Town, South Old Town and Foxchase Apartments.
Other candidates running include Kirk McPike (who is running for re-election on city council), Alyia Gaskins and Amy Jackson (both running for Mayor).
