A non-scientific virtual straw poll by the Alexandria Democratic Committee Monday night saw Mayor Justin Wilson garner 56.2 percent of the votes to challenger Allison Silberberg's 43.8 percent.
In all, Wilson received 226 votes to Silberberg's 176. The total number of votes was 402 with 19 abstentions.
The straw poll was not scientific — anyone, including non-residents of Alexandria, could register to vote in the poll.
Silberberg, a former mayor of Alexandria, threw her hat in the ring at the eleventh hour last week, just before the deadline for candidate registration. She'll face Wilson on the primary election ballot June 8. She previously served as mayor from 2016 to 2018 and lost to Wilson in 2018. Wilson served as vice mayor during Silberberg's years as mayor.
The winner of that June 8 primary will face Republican candidate Annetta Catchings.
Mayoral and City Council candidates got a chance to make their case during the online event prior to the straw poll opening.
"Our campaign is about Alexandria's future," Mayor Wilson said from his kitchen, noting that because of the pandemic wreaking havoc on the City's vulnerable, children and economy, it "makes this election perhaps the most pivotal in our lifetime."
"I am running for another term as your mayor because I believe that by investing in our children, investing in our infrastructure and growing our local economy, Alexandria cannot only survive after this pandemic, but thrive," Wilson said.
Silberberg, in her address, noted that "I entered this race because I have become increasingly concerned about the direction of our city and the direction and policies put forth by our current leadership." She pointed to City projects that have raised concerns by some residents, including narrowing Seminary Road, the consideration of adding affordable housing to school property and allowing "supersize" building projects.
"We can't lose the very quality that makes us such a remarkable place," she said. "We have to protect and preserve as we build and grow and thrive in the future."
The Alexandria Democratic Committee, which counts nearly 400 members, reiterates on its website that the poll "is not considered as an endorsement of any campaign." The seventh annual poll, a fundraiser for the group, was the largest ever, with more than 500 registered participants on the site Monday, ADC Chair Clarence Tong noted. In all, ADC raised $4,891 Monday night. Although it was a fundraiser, admission to the straw poll was free for the first time.
In addition to the mayor's race, six seats on the Alexandria City Council are up for grabs. Participants in Monday night's poll could each vote for six candidates.
Here's a look at how those running for Alexandria City Council fared in Monday night's straw poll:
- Alyia Gaskins: 272/14.10 percent
- John Taylor Chapman: 269/14 percent (current Council member)
- Canek Aguirre: 227/11.8 percent (current Council member)
- R. Kirk McPike: 183/9.5 percent
- Amy Jackson:182/9.5 percent (current Council member)
- Sarah R. Bagley: 166/8.6 percent
- James C.Lewis Jr.: 107/5.6 percent
- Meronne Teklu: 107/5.6 percent
- William "Bill" Rossello: 104/5.4 percent
- Kevin Harris: 102/5.3 percent
- William E. "Bill" Campbell: 72/3.7 percent
- Mark Leo Shiffer: 70/3.6 percent
- Patrick Moran: 62/3.2 percent
Early voting for the primary begins April 23. Voters can request a mail ballot until May 28. Find out more about the election on the City of Alexandria Office of Voter Registrations and Elections website.
Current Council members Mo Seifeldein announced he will not run for re-election; longtime Councilwoman Del Pepper announced in November she won't run for re-election this year and will retire after serving for 36 years. Councilwoman Elizabeth Bennett-Parker is running for state delegate to represent the 45th District.
Watch a recording of Monday night's event including all speeches, here:
