Fairfax County, located in the state of Virginia, is the most populous county in the Commonwealth of Virginia. With a population of over 1.1 million people, it is also one of the most politically active counties in the state. Every year, Fairfax County holds elections for various positions, ranging from local to national levels. In this article, we will take a closer look at the election in Fairfax County, VA and the positions that are up for election.
The Board of Supervisors
The Board of Supervisors is the governing body of Fairfax County.It consists of nine members, each representing a specific district within the county. The board is responsible for making policies and decisions that affect the county's residents and businesses. The election in Fairfax County, VA includes the election of four members of the Board of Supervisors. The current members of the Board of Supervisors are all Democrats, and they have held their positions for several years. However, this year's election could bring some changes as two members are not seeking re-election.
This means that there will be at least two new faces on the board after the election.
Chairman of the Board
The Chairman of the Board is elected by the voters county-wide and serves as the head of the Board of Supervisors. The current Chairman, Jeff McKay, is running for re-election this year. He has been serving as Chairman since 2019 and has been a member of the board since 2007. McKay's main challenger is Republican candidate Joseph Galdo. Galdo is a small business owner and has previously served on various boards and commissions in Fairfax County.He is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility and transparency in government.
Board of Supervisors Districts
The other four members of the Board of Supervisors are elected by the voters in their respective districts. The districts are divided based on population, and each district has approximately 230,000 residents. This year, the districts up for election are Providence, Dranesville, Hunter Mill, and Sully. In the Providence district, incumbent Democrat Dalia Palchik is running for re-election. She is being challenged by Republican candidate Ed Martin.In Dranesville, incumbent Democrat John Foust is also seeking re-election and is being challenged by Republican candidate Alicia Plerhoples. In Hunter Mill, incumbent Democrat Walter Alcorn is running for re-election against Republican candidate Laura Ramirez Drain. And in Sully, incumbent Democrat Kathy Smith is not seeking re-election, leaving an open seat that will be contested between Democrat Rodney Lusk and Republican Srilekha Palle.
School Board
The Fairfax County School Board is responsible for overseeing the county's public school system, which is the 10th largest in the nation. The board consists of 12 members, each representing a specific district within the county.This year's election in Fairfax County, VA includes the election of six members of the School Board. Similar to the Board of Supervisors, the current members of the School Board are all Democrats. However, there could be some changes this year as two members are not seeking re-election.
School Board Districts
The six districts up for election this year are At-Large, Braddock, Dranesville, Hunter Mill, Mason, and Springfield. In At-Large, incumbent Karen Keys-Gamarra is running for re-election against Republican candidate Priscilla DeStefano. In Braddock, incumbent Megan McLaughlin is not seeking re-election, leaving an open seat that will be contested between Democrat Elaine Tholen and Republican candidate Steve Krieger. In Dranesville, incumbent Abrar Omeish is running for re-election against Republican candidate Laura Ramirez Drain.In Hunter Mill, incumbent Melanie Meren is also seeking re-election and is being challenged by Republican candidate Laura Ramirez Drain. In Mason, incumbent Ricardy Anderson is running for re-election against Republican candidate Tom Pafford. And in Springfield, incumbent Laura Jane Cohen is not seeking re-election, leaving an open seat that will be contested between Democrat Elaine Tholen and Republican candidate Elizabeth Schultz.
Other Positions
In addition to the Board of Supervisors and School Board, there are several other positions up for election in Fairfax County this year. These include the Commonwealth's Attorney, Sheriff, Clerk of the Circuit Court, and Soil and Water Conservation District Director. The Commonwealth's Attorney is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in the county.The current Commonwealth's Attorney, Democrat Steve Descano, is running for re-election against Republican candidate Jonathan Fahey. The Sheriff is responsible for maintaining the county's jail and providing security for the county's courthouses. The current Sheriff, Democrat Stacey Kincaid, is not seeking re-election, leaving an open seat that will be contested between Democrat Bryan Wolfe and Republican candidate John Greenbacker. The Clerk of the Circuit Court is responsible for maintaining court records and issuing marriage licenses. The current Clerk, Republican John Frey, is running for re-election against Democratic candidate Monica Billger. The Soil and Water Conservation District Director is responsible for promoting conservation practices in the county. There are three positions up for election this year, and the candidates are all running unopposed.
Conclusion
The election in Fairfax County, VA is an important event that will shape the county's future.With several positions up for election, there is a chance for some changes in the county's leadership. It is crucial for the residents of Fairfax County to educate themselves on the candidates and their platforms to make an informed decision when casting their votes. Whether you are a resident of Fairfax County or just interested in local politics, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the positions up for election in Fairfax County. Stay informed and exercise your right to vote in this year's election.
