Photo courtesy of Sandy O. Marks campaign
Sandy O. Marks
Democrat Sandy O. Marks has won the special election Tuesday for an open seat on the Alexandria City Council.
Marks won over two independent candidates. The unofficial vote breakdown from the Virginia Department of Elections is:
- Sandy O. Marks: 53.37% or 24,869
- Frank H. Fannon: 29.41% or 13,072
- Alison Virginia O'Connell: 15.02% or 6,999
According to VPAP, Fannon raised $84,579 for the race; Marks raised $53,031 and O'Connell raised $4,638
The open seat became available after Councilman R. Kirk McPike resigned to run for Delegate for House District 5. He had served on the Council since 2022. Marks will serve out the rest of his term, which ends Dec. 31, 2027.
Here's a little more about Marks, from her campaign site:
"Alexandria is Sandy’s chosen home for life—the place she chose to build her career 23 years ago, and to start her family. And Sandy continues to choose Alexandria every day. It’s where she raises her kids, builds community, and serves with intention.
Originally hailing from “the woods north of Tampa,” Sandy was raised by a single mom on a secretary’s salary. She attended Florida State University on a full scholarship with a singular goal: make conscious use of self. Through internships at the state capitol, and helping Floridians access benefits in US Senator Bob Graham’s constituent office, she found public service a meaningful way to improve the lives of others.
Professionally, Sandy’s produced award-winning creative work for many of our nation’s most consequential Democratic candidates and advocacy organizations, from Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, to Sierra Club, Greenpeace, Labor Unions, and the Virginia Democratic Caucus.
Even before her two terms as Alexandria Democratic Committee Chair, Sandy advocated for gun violence prevention with Moms Demand Action, practiced social and racial justice in the BLM movement and at Beth El Hebrew Congregation, protested Trump policy and appointments, led PTAs, volunteered in the Alexandria library system, and elected Democrats to local offices.
Sandy knows how to invite and welcome stakeholders to the table. During her four years as Chair of the AlexDEMS, membership tripled and generational and cultural diversity leveled up. She is proudest of building a creative team of leaders and coalitions with groups like Moms Demand Action and NOVA Labor. She serves on Virginia’s 8th Congressional District Democratic Committee.
Sandy’s friends know her for her energy, clear-eyed optimism, and problem-solving acumen. With Sandy, you’ll know you have a council member ready to serve on day one.
Sandy, her two teens, and their very loud cat live in the heart of Del Ray."
