GOP nominee Julie Robben Lineberry on Tuesday challenged her general election opponent, Democrat Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, to three debates across the 39th Senate District, one in each jurisdiction (Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax County).
The special election takes place Feb. 10.
Read more about the candidates here.
Robben Lineberry's campaign issued this statement Tuesday:
“My opponent and her fellow party members short-cut the processes and assumed an E-ZPass south down I-95 from District 39 to the State Senate. I’m asking Elizabeth to slow down and show respect to her would-be constituents throughout the district and a willingness to earn their votes. I propose we hold one debate in Alexandria (half of the city isn’t in her House District), one in Arlington, and one in Fairfax. Let’s give everyone at least one chance to see and hear BOTH candidates -- listen to their priorities and positions.”
Julie Lineberry is the Republican nominee in the Feb. 10, 2026, special election to replace State Senator Adam Ebbin in Virginia’s 39th Senate District. She has spent 45 years helping families find homes here—and a lifetime giving back to this community. She is running to fight for affordability and to be an independent check on one-party rule in Richmond.
The 39th Senate District includes the city of Alexandria and parts of Arlington and Fairfax County.
In response, Bennett-Parker's campaign also issued a statement Tuesday:
"I am currently in Richmond for the legislative session while also working to connect with voters across Senate District 39 ahead of the February 10 general election.
In the past week, I passed a historic proposed constitutional amendment on voting rights out of the General Assembly, passed several bills out of subcommittee including legislation to provide free breakfast for students and two bills brought to me directly by constituents, and met with thirteen constituent groups.
Late this afternoon, I received a message from Candidate Robben Lineberry after she issued a press release “challenging” me to a debate. That message did not include any proposed dates, times, topics, or moderators.
I would be glad to participate in a virtual forum organized and moderated by a neutral third party at a mutually agreed-upon date and time.
Right now, my focus remains where it has always been: doing the work my constituents sent me to Richmond to do, listening to our community, and delivering results that move our Commonwealth forward."
