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  • Independent

    Stella Pekarsky

  • Stella Pekarsky is the Democratic Committee-endorsed candidate for Sully District School Board. She is the daughter of Greek immigrants and a graduate of George Mason University. She previously worked as a substitute teacher before she co-founded a family air charter business. She and her husband live in Centerville with their six children.

    Pekarksy is running to ensure every child has the resources and opportunity to succeed in Fairfax County schools. She wants to invest in mental health supports and teacher retention while eliminating school trailers and overcrowded classrooms.

    Thomas Wilson is the current member of the Fairfax County School Board from the Sully District. He was elected in 2015and is a graduate of Lake Braddock Secondary School, Cornell University, and the Northwestern University School of Law. After college, Wilson served in the U.S. Army during the Gulf War. He has been living in Fairfax County with his family for more than two decades. He has been an attorney in private practice.

    Wilson has been endorsed by the local Republican committee. He abstained from votes on comprehensive sex education and nondiscrimination protections for transgender students after complaining that the proposals were brought to the board by individuals hostile to people of faith.

    Stella Pekarksy is the progressive choice for Sully District School Board.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Stella Pekarsky

    Stella Pekarsky is the Democratic Committee-endorsed candidate for Sully District School Board. She is the daughter of Greek immigrants and a graduate of George Mason University. She previously worked as a substitute teacher before she co-founded a family air charter business.

    Stella Pekarsky is the Democratic Committee-endorsed candidate for Sully District School Board. She is the daughter of Greek immigrants and a graduate of George Mason University. She previously worked as a substitute teacher before she co-founded a family air charter business. She and her husband live in Centerville with their six children.

    Pekarksy is running to ensure every child has the resources and opportunity to succeed in Fairfax County schools. She wants to invest in mental health supports and teacher retention while eliminating school trailers and overcrowded classrooms.

    Thomas Wilson is the current member of the Fairfax County School Board from the Sully District. He was elected in 2015and is a graduate of Lake Braddock Secondary School, Cornell University, and the Northwestern University School of Law. After college, Wilson served in the U.S. Army during the Gulf War. He has been living in Fairfax County with his family for more than two decades. He has been an attorney in private practice.

    Wilson has been endorsed by the local Republican committee. He abstained from votes on comprehensive sex education and nondiscrimination protections for transgender students after complaining that the proposals were brought to the board by individuals hostile to people of faith.

    Stella Pekarksy is the progressive choice for Sully District School Board.

    Stella Pekarsky

    Stella Pekarsky is the Democratic Committee-endorsed candidate for Sully District School Board. She is the daughter of Greek immigrants and a graduate of George Mason University. She previously worked as a substitute teacher before she co-founded a family air charter business.

State Senate

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Senate races on your ballot.

  • Senator Jennifer Boysko and her husband, Glenn, have raised their two daughters in historic downtown Herndon, where they have lived since 1996. Senator Boysko has volunteered with numerous organizations in her community including serving on the board of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia. She was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2016 and won a special election to the state Senate in 2019.

    Senator Boysko supported legislation to establish hate crime protections for individuals targeted for violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity and has voiced opposition to conversion therapy. She has been a champion for immigrant families, carrying legislation to provide in-state tuition to residents regardless of immigration status and establish driving privilege cards so families can safely get to school, work, and worship. She has also prioritized protecting and expanding access to reproductive rights and supporting families through establishing paid family and medical leave.

    Her conservative opponent, Republican Suzanne Fox, is anti-choice. Little is known about her stance on immigration, gun safety, and issues impacting members of the LGBT community. Fox has served on the Leesburg Town Council since 2014.

    Senator Boysko the progressive choice in this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Jennifer Boysko

    Senator Jennifer Boysko and her husband, Glenn, have raised their two daughters in historic downtown Herndon, where they have lived since 1996. Senator Boysko has volunteered with numerous organizations in her community including serving on the board of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia.

    Senator Jennifer Boysko and her husband, Glenn, have raised their two daughters in historic downtown Herndon, where they have lived since 1996. Senator Boysko has volunteered with numerous organizations in her community including serving on the board of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia. She was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2016 and won a special election to the state Senate in 2019.

    Senator Boysko supported legislation to establish hate crime protections for individuals targeted for violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity and has voiced opposition to conversion therapy. She has been a champion for immigrant families, carrying legislation to provide in-state tuition to residents regardless of immigration status and establish driving privilege cards so families can safely get to school, work, and worship. She has also prioritized protecting and expanding access to reproductive rights and supporting families through establishing paid family and medical leave.

    Her conservative opponent, Republican Suzanne Fox, is anti-choice. Little is known about her stance on immigration, gun safety, and issues impacting members of the LGBT community. Fox has served on the Leesburg Town Council since 2014.

    Senator Boysko the progressive choice in this race.

    Jennifer Boysko

    Senator Jennifer Boysko and her husband, Glenn, have raised their two daughters in historic downtown Herndon, where they have lived since 1996. Senator Boysko has volunteered with numerous organizations in her community including serving on the board of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia.

  • Incumbent Democratic Senator Chap Petersen was born in Fairfax. He is married to Sharon Kim Petersen and has four children. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates between 2002 and 2006 and was elected to the state Senate in 2007. Senator Petersen has been an attorney in private practice since 1994 and his peers selected him as one of thirty “Leaders of the Law” in Virginia in 2011.

    Senator Petersen sponsored 2008’s SB 510, legislation that guaranteed college students the right to a fairly priced student loan. More recently, he voted against legislation that would prohibit state funding for abortion services for low-income women and in support of raising the minimum wage. In an effort to increase transparency and end wage theft, Senator Petersen voted in support of legislation that would force employers to provide wage statements to employees on a regular basis.

    Senator Petersen is running unopposed.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Chap Petersen

    Incumbent Democratic Senator Chap Petersen was born in Fairfax. He is married to Sharon Kim Petersen and has four children. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates between 2002 and 2006 and was elected to the state Senate in 2007.

    Incumbent Democratic Senator Chap Petersen was born in Fairfax. He is married to Sharon Kim Petersen and has four children. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates between 2002 and 2006 and was elected to the state Senate in 2007. Senator Petersen has been an attorney in private practice since 1994 and his peers selected him as one of thirty “Leaders of the Law” in Virginia in 2011.

    Senator Petersen sponsored 2008’s SB 510, legislation that guaranteed college students the right to a fairly priced student loan. More recently, he voted against legislation that would prohibit state funding for abortion services for low-income women and in support of raising the minimum wage. In an effort to increase transparency and end wage theft, Senator Petersen voted in support of legislation that would force employers to provide wage statements to employees on a regular basis.

    Senator Petersen is running unopposed.

    Chap Petersen

    Incumbent Democratic Senator Chap Petersen was born in Fairfax. He is married to Sharon Kim Petersen and has four children. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates between 2002 and 2006 and was elected to the state Senate in 2007.

  • Senator Dick Saslaw grew up in Washington, D.C. He served in the U.S. Army for two years before earning a B.S. in economics from the University of Maryland. In college, he was a member of the track team and is still an active runner. He is a successful local businessman in the gasoline and auto service industry. Senator Saslaw and his wife, Eleanor, are proud grandparents and have lived in Northern Virginia since 1968.

    Senator Saslaw, the Democratic leader in the state Senate, helped lead the charge to expand Medicaid for hundreds of thousands of Virginians without access to healthcare. He has always been consistent in his support for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment and establishing commonsense gun laws. He supports universal background checks, banning the sale mechanical devices that accelerate the firing mechanism on weapons (such as bump stocks), and prohibiting civilian use of assault-style weapons.

    Senator Saslaw is running unopposed.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Dick Saslaw

    Senator Dick Saslaw grew up in Washington, D.C. He served in the U.S. Army for two years before earning a B.S. in economics from the University of Maryland. In college, he was a member of the track team and is still an active runner.

    Senator Dick Saslaw grew up in Washington, D.C. He served in the U.S. Army for two years before earning a B.S. in economics from the University of Maryland. In college, he was a member of the track team and is still an active runner. He is a successful local businessman in the gasoline and auto service industry. Senator Saslaw and his wife, Eleanor, are proud grandparents and have lived in Northern Virginia since 1968.

    Senator Saslaw, the Democratic leader in the state Senate, helped lead the charge to expand Medicaid for hundreds of thousands of Virginians without access to healthcare. He has always been consistent in his support for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment and establishing commonsense gun laws. He supports universal background checks, banning the sale mechanical devices that accelerate the firing mechanism on weapons (such as bump stocks), and prohibiting civilian use of assault-style weapons.

    Senator Saslaw is running unopposed.

    Dick Saslaw

    Senator Dick Saslaw grew up in Washington, D.C. He served in the U.S. Army for two years before earning a B.S. in economics from the University of Maryland. In college, he was a member of the track team and is still an active runner.

  • Virginia’s new 36th State Senate district encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With over 151,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

    Senator Scott A. Surovell has represented parts of Fairfax, Prince William, and Stafford Counties since 2015. Prior to his time in the Senate, Surovell served six years in the House of Delegates. Surovell lives in Mt. Vernon with his wife and four children. He practices law and has dedicated his legislative career to fighting for Northern Virginia’s fair share, protecting consumers, and preserving our environment for future generations.

    He supported legislation that would require background checks for all firearms transfers, prohibit the sale and ownership of assault weapons, reinstate Virginia’s “one-gun-a-month” law and prohibit concealed carry in restaurants, while consuming or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Senator Surovell also sponsored a bill that would establish a paid family and medical leave program. He voted to expand Medicaid in Virginia to 400,000 individuals and to raise the commonwealth’s minimum wage.

    Senator Surovell is running unopposed and is the progressive choice.

  • Virginia’s new 37th State Senate district encompasses parts of Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and Falls Church City. With almost 146,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

    Incumbent Democratic Senator Dave Marsden is a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia. Senator Marsden lives in Burke since 1977 with his wife, Julia, and three sons. He graduated from W.T. Woodson High School in 1966, Randolph-Macon College in 1970. After college, he began a career in juvenile justice as a probation officer with the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. He went on to establish and operate Fairfax County’s shelter home for youth with severe family problems and was later appointed as the first Superintendent of Fairfax County’s Juvenile Detention Center. He served in the House of Delegates for 4 years before he was elected to the state Senate in 2009.

    Senator Marsden has supported a number of progressive priorities including legislation that would ensure in-state tution for undocumented students. He also supported legislation that prohibits discrimination on basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. He has long advocated to raise Virginia’s minimum wage. He has also proposed policies to expand access to voting, including automatic voter registration. He voted to expand Medicaid in Virginia.

    Senator Marsden is running unopposed and is the progressive choice.

No Good Choices

Virginia’s new 38th State Senate district encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With almost 157,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

Ben Chafin is the incumbent Republican State Senator in Senate District 38. Senator Chafin is a conservative and was first elected to the chamber in a special election in 2014. He is a beef cattle farmer and an attorney with a local practice. He received a 0% on NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia’s 2018 Legislative scorecard due to his history of supporting attacks on reproductive rights. He voted against same-sex marriage and commonsense gun laws. He ultimately voted to expand Medicaid in Virginia after years of opposition but voted against raising Virginia’s minimum wage.

His independent opponent, George McCall III, worked as an executive chairman of a local community bank and as a beef cattle farmer. He graduated from the University of Richmond in 1978. He is anti-choice, pro-gun, and supports the Trump agenda. He is Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Clinch Valley Medical Center and the Richlands Little League Baseball Treasurer.

There is no progressive option in this race. We encourage you to write in a candidate of your choice. Regardless, get out and vote. Please remember that there are other races that will be on the ballot.

  • Incumbent Democratic Senator George Barker was first elected to the Virginia Senate in 2007. He moved to Northern Virginia 35 years ago and has been active in a number of civic and community organizations ever since. He is married with two grown children and has multiple grandchildren.

    Senator Barker has two degrees from Harvard University, including a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Public Health and a master's degree in Health Policy and Management. For three decades he worked for the Health Systems Agency of Northern Virginia. He currently consults on health care issues.

    Barker was rated 100% by Virginia ACL-CIO due to his suport of legislation that supports unions and workers and 100% by NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia because of his strong support of reproductive rights. He has also supported commonsense gun laws, including one that would penalize anyone who left guns unattended around minors. He also voted for Medicaid expansion and to raise Virginia’s minimum wage.

    S. W. Hillenburg is the Republican candidate and a disabled veteran. Hillenburg is anti-choice and opposes commonsense gun laws. He has prioritized transportation improvements in his campaign.

    Senator George Barker is the progressive choice in this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    George Barker

    Incumbent Democratic Senator George Barker was first elected to the Virginia Senate in 2007. He moved to Northern Virginia 35 years ago and has been active in a number of civic and community organizations ever since. He is married with two grown children and has multiple grandchildren.

    Incumbent Democratic Senator George Barker was first elected to the Virginia Senate in 2007. He moved to Northern Virginia 35 years ago and has been active in a number of civic and community organizations ever since. He is married with two grown children and has multiple grandchildren.

    Senator Barker has two degrees from Harvard University, including a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Public Health and a master's degree in Health Policy and Management. For three decades he worked for the Health Systems Agency of Northern Virginia. He currently consults on health care issues.

    Barker was rated 100% by Virginia ACL-CIO due to his suport of legislation that supports unions and workers and 100% by NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia because of his strong support of reproductive rights. He has also supported commonsense gun laws, including one that would penalize anyone who left guns unattended around minors. He also voted for Medicaid expansion and to raise Virginia’s minimum wage.

    S. W. Hillenburg is the Republican candidate and a disabled veteran. Hillenburg is anti-choice and opposes commonsense gun laws. He has prioritized transportation improvements in his campaign.

    Senator George Barker is the progressive choice in this race.

    George Barker

    Incumbent Democratic Senator George Barker was first elected to the Virginia Senate in 2007. He moved to Northern Virginia 35 years ago and has been active in a number of civic and community organizations ever since. He is married with two grown children and has multiple grandchildren.

House of Delegates

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below House of Delegate races on your ballot.

  • Virginia’s new House of Delegates 4th District encompasses parts of Alexandria City and Fairfax County. With almost 49,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

    Democratic candidate Starla Kiser is running against Republican William Wampler for an open seat in the 4th district. Kiser received two degrees from Harvard––a medical degree at Harvard Medical School and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School with a focus on international development and health policy. As a doctor, Kiser supports increased access to health care like Medicaid expansion. She believes Virginia should increase access to mental health care and substance abuse treatment. Kiser also supports increasing teacher pay and bringing more jobs to the district.

    William Wampler is anti-choice, opposes clean energy initiatives, and is against commonsense gun violence prevention solutions. He is silent on other issues including raising the minimum wage, health care access, and fair redistricting reform.

    Though we disagree with Kiser’s stance on guns and environmental issues, her support of health care access and increased teacher pay makes her the more progressive choice in this race.

  • Endorsed By: Virginia AFL-CIO
  • Virginia’s new House of Delegates 6th District encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With almost 68,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

    Democratic candidate James Barker is running against incumbent Delegate Jeffrey Campbell, a Republican. Barker is currently serving his third term on the Marion Town Council and serves on the Friends of Mount Rogers, which aims to preserve and promote the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in the Jefferson National Forest.

    As a Delegate, Barker will advocate for affordable health care access and support maintaining Medicaid expansion. He also supports increased funding for schools and giving teachers a much-needed raise. Before running for Delegate, Barker worked for the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. Due to that experience, combating climate change is another major priority for Barker.

    Delegate Jeffrey Campbell was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2013. He is staunchly against gun violence prevention. He supports increasing police presence in schools and opposes common sense regulations that would prevent gun violence. He also voted against protecting immigrants in Virginia when he voted for a bill that prohibited sanctuary cities in Virginia. He also voted for a bill that would make it more difficult for low-income people to access abortion and to defund Planned Parenthood.

    James Barker is the more progressive choice in this race due to his support of health care access and increasing teacher pay.

  • Endorsed By: Virginia AFL-CIO
  • Virginia’s new 7th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With over 67,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

    Democratic candidate Rhonda Seltz is currently an adjunct instructor at Radford University in the School of Social Work. A native of Pulaski County, she is running for the House of Delegates because she wants to advocate for more affordable health care access for everyone. Seltz believes everyone should earn a living wage and promises to vote to increase the minimum wage if elected. She supports expanding access to affordable healthcare that includes mental health services. She is also against the Atlantic Coast and the Mountain Valley pipelines and supports investments in renewable energy sources.

    Her opponent, Delegate Nick Rush (R), was elected in 2011. As Delegate, he voted to prohibit sanctuary cities, putting members of our immigrant community in danger. He voted to make it more difficult for low-income people to access abortion and to defund Planned Parenthood. Rush also voted against a bill that would have allowed localities to increase the minimum wage. Delegate Rush voted to require voters to present a state-issued photo ID when voting, making it more difficult for some people to make their voice heard in our democracy.

    Rhonda Seltz is the more progressive choice in this race because of her support for the environment and affordable health care access.

  • Endorsed By: Virginia AFL-CIO, VA Dems Women's Caucus, People Power Virginia, Virginia State Council of the Communications Workers of America
  • Virginia’s new 8th District in the House of Delegates encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With almost 55,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

    Democratic candidate Darlene Lewis is a minister and small business owner who has lived in Roanoke County for 20 years. She co-founded The Hope Center, a small Roanoke nonprofit that provides after-school programs, a food pantry, and a resume-writing service for those seeking employment. As Delegate, she will advocate for criminal justice reform, affordable health care, and increased investments in our schools.

    Her opponent, incumbent Republican Delegate Joe McNamara was elected in a special election in 2018. During his time in office, he voted for a bill that would require law enforcement to notify ICE when undocumented immigrants are released from incarceration, putting them in danger of deportation. Because McNamara was elected so recently, he doesn’t have a long voting record and his website doesn’t include information about his policy positions. But his vote for collaboration with ICE makes clear that he does not share our values.

    Darlene Lewis is the more progressive candidate in this race because of her support for criminal justice reform and increased funding for our schools.

No Good Choices

Incumbent Delegate Charles Poindexter (R) has been a member of the House of Delegates since 2008. He has a long record of opposing progressive legislation and sponsoring bills that would harm our communities. He voted to defund Planned Parenthood and to require people seeking abortion care to have a mandatory ultrasound. He also voted to require voters to present a state-issued photo ID before being allowed to vote, making it harder for some people to make their voices heard in our democracy. Delegate Poindexter is against increasing the minimum wage and voted for a bill that prohibits localities from raising the minimum wage.

Delegate Poindexter is running unopposed. There is no progressive option on the ballot However, we still encourage you to show up to vote by writing in a name for this race and casting your vote in the other races in your district.

Charles Poindexter

Incumbent Delegate Charles Poindexter (R) has been a member of the House of Delegates since 2008. He has a long record of opposing progressive legislation and sponsoring bills that would harm our communities.

  • Incumbent Democratic Delegate Wendy Gooditis was elected in 2017. Health care access is an important issue for Delegate Gooditis because she lost her brother to a mental illness after he was denied Medicaid coverage. That experience motivated Gooditis’s vote to expand Virginia’s Medicaid program to 400,000 more Virginians. She also supports investments in renewable energy and clean air and water. She wants to increase teacher pay and ensure that Virginia public schools are the best they can be. She also supports fair redistricting reform so that everyone’s voice can be heard in our elections.

    Her opponent, Republican Randy Minchew, was the Delegate for this district from 2012 to 2017. While a member of the House of Delegates, Minchew voted for bills that would make voting harder for some people by requiring a state issued photo ID. He also voted to defund Planned Parenthood and to require an ultrasound before a person can receive abortion care. He voted to repeal the one-gun-a-month law and is against gun violence prevention.

    Delegate Wendy Gooditis is the more progressive choice because of her support for health care access and clean energy.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Wendy W. Gooditis

    Incumbent Democratic Delegate Wendy Gooditis was elected in 2017. Health care access is an important issue for Delegate Gooditis because she lost her brother to a mental illness after he was denied Medicaid coverage.

    Incumbent Democratic Delegate Wendy Gooditis was elected in 2017. Health care access is an important issue for Delegate Gooditis because she lost her brother to a mental illness after he was denied Medicaid coverage. That experience motivated Gooditis’s vote to expand Virginia’s Medicaid program to 400,000 more Virginians. She also supports investments in renewable energy and clean air and water. She wants to increase teacher pay and ensure that Virginia public schools are the best they can be. She also supports fair redistricting reform so that everyone’s voice can be heard in our elections.

    Her opponent, Republican Randy Minchew, was the Delegate for this district from 2012 to 2017. While a member of the House of Delegates, Minchew voted for bills that would make voting harder for some people by requiring a state issued photo ID. He also voted to defund Planned Parenthood and to require an ultrasound before a person can receive abortion care. He voted to repeal the one-gun-a-month law and is against gun violence prevention.

    Delegate Wendy Gooditis is the more progressive choice because of her support for health care access and clean energy.

    Wendy W. Gooditis

    Incumbent Democratic Delegate Wendy Gooditis was elected in 2017. Health care access is an important issue for Delegate Gooditis because she lost her brother to a mental illness after he was denied Medicaid coverage.

  • Incumbent Delegate Sam Rasoul (D) was first elected in 2013. He lives in Roanoke with his wife and their three children. Delegate Rasoul is a small business owner and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of a non-profit healthcare firm helping with maternal child health in East Africa.

    Delegate Rasoul has supported bills to increase the minimum wage, increase teacher pay, and invest in clean energy. He voted for Medicaid expansion and is a strong supporter of affordable health care access for everyone. He believes in ensuring everyone can participate in our democracy and has supported bills to keep the polls open longer and allow early voting. He also supports criminal justice reform and equality for members of the LGBTQ community. He opposes the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley pipelines.


    Running unopposed, Sam Rasoul is the more progressive choice for this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Sam Rasoul

    Incumbent Delegate Sam Rasoul (D) was first elected in 2013. He lives in Roanoke with his wife and their three children.

    Incumbent Delegate Sam Rasoul (D) was first elected in 2013. He lives in Roanoke with his wife and their three children. Delegate Rasoul is a small business owner and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of a non-profit healthcare firm helping with maternal child health in East Africa.

    Delegate Rasoul has supported bills to increase the minimum wage, increase teacher pay, and invest in clean energy. He voted for Medicaid expansion and is a strong supporter of affordable health care access for everyone. He believes in ensuring everyone can participate in our democracy and has supported bills to keep the polls open longer and allow early voting. He also supports criminal justice reform and equality for members of the LGBTQ community. He opposes the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley pipelines.


    Running unopposed, Sam Rasoul is the more progressive choice for this race.

    Sam Rasoul

    Incumbent Delegate Sam Rasoul (D) was first elected in 2013. He lives in Roanoke with his wife and their three children.

  • Virginia’s new 12th District in the House of Delegates encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With over 60,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

    Incumbent Democratic Delegate Chris Hurst was elected in 2017. He has made gun violence prevention a center of his campaign after his girlfriend, Alison Parker, was murdered on-air during a newscast in 2015. In his time as Delegate, he voted to expand Medicaid to 400,000 Virginians. He supports increasing education funding, and has advocated for raising teacher salaries, making college more affordable, and reforming standardized testing. Delegate Hurst wants to combat the opioid crisis, invest in clean energy options, and create opportunities for small business owners. He is pro-choice.

    Republican Forrest Hite is running against Delegate Hurst. Hite is a data resource administrator with no previous political experience. While he doesn’t publicly take a stand on many issues on his website, he is running as a traditional conservative Republican.

    Because of Delegate Hurst’s support of health care access, gun violence prevention, and college affordability, he is the more progressive choice in this race.

  • Incumbent Democratic Delegate Danica Roem was elected in 2017 and is the first openly transgender woman elected to the Virginia legislature. She supports marginalized communities, and she has talked about her support for the DREAM Act and voting rights. She is pro-choice, supports raising the minimum wage, and advocates for affordable healthcare. Roem has also voted to raise teacher salaries and expand Medicaid.

    Kelly McGinn, Roem’s Republican opponent, opposes ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment and is anti-choice. She is also against marriage equality and has worked to prevent LGBTQ families from being able to adopt children.

    Because of her support for affordable health care and advocacy for equality for all, Delegate Roem is the more progressive choice in this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Danica Roem

    Incumbent Democratic Delegate Danica Roem was elected in 2017 and is the first openly transgender woman elected to the Virginia legislature. She supports marginalized communities, and she has talked about her support for the DREAM Act and voting rights.

    Incumbent Democratic Delegate Danica Roem was elected in 2017 and is the first openly transgender woman elected to the Virginia legislature. She supports marginalized communities, and she has talked about her support for the DREAM Act and voting rights. She is pro-choice, supports raising the minimum wage, and advocates for affordable healthcare. Roem has also voted to raise teacher salaries and expand Medicaid.

    Kelly McGinn, Roem’s Republican opponent, opposes ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment and is anti-choice. She is also against marriage equality and has worked to prevent LGBTQ families from being able to adopt children.

    Because of her support for affordable health care and advocacy for equality for all, Delegate Roem is the more progressive choice in this race.

    Danica Roem

    Incumbent Democratic Delegate Danica Roem was elected in 2017 and is the first openly transgender woman elected to the Virginia legislature. She supports marginalized communities, and she has talked about her support for the DREAM Act and voting rights.

  • Virginia’s new 14th District in the House of Delegates encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With over 53,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

    Democratic candidate Eric Stamps is a passionate community advocate who has experience navigating the healthcare system. He lives in Danville with his wife and their two children. Stamps supports increasing the minimum wage, raising teacher pay, and increasing funding for our schools. He also promises to vote for voting rights reforms like same-day voter registration and early voting, and affordable health care for everyone. He founded Indivisible Southside to focus on voter registration and engagement.

    Incumbent Republican Delegate Danny Marshall is anti-choice. He has a record of voting to defund Planned Parenthood, making it more difficult for low-income people to access abortion. He has also voted to prohibit sanctuary cities in Virginia, putting members of the immigrant community at risk. Delegate Marshall opposes raising the minimum wage, having voted for a bill that would prohibit localities from raising the minimum wage. In 2016, he co-sponsored a bill to prohibit the removal of Confederate monuments from public spaces.

    Eric Stamps is the more progressive choice in this race.

  • Endorsed By: Virginia AFL-CIO
  • Democratic candidate Beverly Harrison is running against Republican Incumbent Delegate Todd Gilbert. Harrison lives in Woodstock with her two children. She believes that affordable healthcare coverage is a right. She promises to fight to expand access to life-saving mental health resources and provide much-needed support for families struggling with the consequences of addiction. Harrison supports the Equal Right Amendment, lifts up local businesses, and advocates for affordable housing. She also wants to bring broadband access to rural communities.

    Delegate Gilbert serves as the Republican Majority Leader in the House of Delegates. During his 12 years in office, Delegate Gilbert has been a staunch conservative. He supports so-called “right-to-work” laws that benefit corporations at the expense of workers. Gilbert is anti-union and opposes raising the minimum wage. He is anti-choice and has voted to defund Planned Parenthood, making it more difficult for low-income people to access abortion. Gilbert also strongly opposed Medicaid expansion.

    Beverly Harrison is the more progressive choice in this race because of her support of health care access and affordable housing.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Beverly Harrison

    Democratic candidate Beverly Harrison is running against Republican Incumbent Delegate Todd Gilbert. Harrison lives in Woodstock with her two children. She believes that affordable healthcare coverage is a right.

    Democratic candidate Beverly Harrison is running against Republican Incumbent Delegate Todd Gilbert. Harrison lives in Woodstock with her two children. She believes that affordable healthcare coverage is a right. She promises to fight to expand access to life-saving mental health resources and provide much-needed support for families struggling with the consequences of addiction. Harrison supports the Equal Right Amendment, lifts up local businesses, and advocates for affordable housing. She also wants to bring broadband access to rural communities.

    Delegate Gilbert serves as the Republican Majority Leader in the House of Delegates. During his 12 years in office, Delegate Gilbert has been a staunch conservative. He supports so-called “right-to-work” laws that benefit corporations at the expense of workers. Gilbert is anti-union and opposes raising the minimum wage. He is anti-choice and has voted to defund Planned Parenthood, making it more difficult for low-income people to access abortion. Gilbert also strongly opposed Medicaid expansion.

    Beverly Harrison is the more progressive choice in this race because of her support of health care access and affordable housing.

    Beverly Harrison

    Democratic candidate Beverly Harrison is running against Republican Incumbent Delegate Todd Gilbert. Harrison lives in Woodstock with her two children. She believes that affordable healthcare coverage is a right.

  • Endorsed By: Virginia AFL-CIO

No Good Choices

Virginia’s new 16th District in the House of Delegates encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With almost 55,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

Delegate Les Adams (R) was elected to the House of Delegates in 2013. While in office he has voted to prohibit sanctuary cities, prevent localities from raising the minimum wage, and to limit abortion access for low income people. He opposed Medicaid expansion. He is a staunch conservative on nearly every issue.

Dustin Evans is Delegate Adams’ Libertarian opponent. While he supports some progressive ideas like reducing corporate funds in elections, he does not support raising the minimum wage, and he is silent on other important issues.

There is no progressive choice on the ballot. However, we still encourage you to show up to vote, write in a name for this race, and cast your vote in the other races in your district.

No Good Choices

Virginia’s new 17th District in the House of Delegates encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With almost 60,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

Republican Delegate Christopher Head was elected to the House of Delegates in 2011. He and his wife Betsy live in Roanoke, and run their business called Home Instead Senior Care. In his time as Delegate, he has voted to prohibit sanctuary cities, defund Planned Parenthood, and to prevent localities from raising the minimum wage. He also supports requiring parents to “opt-in” before their children can receive sex education in school.

Delegate Head is running unopposed. There is no progressive choice on the ballot. However, we still encourage you to show up to vote by writing in a name for this race and casting your vote in the other races in your district.

  • Virginia’s new 18th District in the House of Delegates encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With almost 61,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

    Democratic candidate Laura Galante is a cyber intelligence analyst, wife, and mother, who is running against Republican Delegate Michael Webert. As Delegate, Galante will push for affordable healthcare with transparent medical costs for those living in rural communities. Galante wants to improve Virginia’s education system by raising teacher salaries and reforming standardized testing. She will also expand access to broadband in rural areas and advocate for investments in renewable energy.

    Incumbent Delegate Michael J. Webert was elected to the House of Delegates in 2011. As Delegate, he has voted to prohibit sanctuary cities, defund Planned Parenthood, and prevent localities from increasing the minimum wage. He is staunchly anti-choice and believes life begins at conception. Delegate Webert is also a lifetime member of the NRA and has opposed action to prevent gun violence.

    Based on her positions on affordable health care and raising teacher pay, Laura Galante is the more progressive choice in this race.

  • Endorsed By: Virginia AFL-CIO
  • Jeffrey McKay is a Fairfax County native and currently lives in Lee District with his family. Morris Glen, an affordable senior housing complex in McKay’s district, is named after his grandmother. She was a well-known advocate in the area, and McKay cites her as the inspiration for his life in advocacy. McKay received his undergraduate degree in Public Administration from James Madison University, and is a graduate of the Sorensen Institute of Political Leadership at the University of Virginia. Previously, McKay served as Supervisor Dana Kauffman’s Chief of Staff. After over ten years of working with Kauffman, he was elected Lee District Supervisor in November 2007.

    He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors’ Budget and Legislative Committees. McKay is working to increase transit options through his membership as Chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and on the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). McKay states that his goals include creating inclusion through social and racial equity, including supporting and advocating for his residents against the discriminatory policies of the current administration. McKay supports the policies One Fairfax, an initiative to foster inclusivity and equity throughout the county.

    During his time as Budget Chairman, McKay passed a budget to fully fund schools in the area. He aims to continue to make education a priority by increasing teacher pay and expanding equitable programming to all students and districts. He supports clean energy, and if elected will remove barriers to solar power and push forward initiatives to lower the county’s carbon footprint. McKay wants to improve the lives of residents by increasing public transportation and access to affordable housing and healthcare. He also believes in common sense gun violence prevention laws and wants to foster community between the police force and the residents.

    McKay’s opponent is Republican Joe Galdo. He ran for Congress in 2014 as a Green Party candidate. He wants to “make Fairfax great again.” While he supports green initiatives, Galdo wants to increase funding for law enforcement as opposed to implementing more equitable practices. He alsos supports collaboration with ICE. Galdo’s website uses pejorative language referring to “illegal” immigrants and urges local police to enforce detainers issued by ICE. This would allow police departments to hold people past their release date so ICE can determine what their next move is, which can lead to deportation.

    McKay is the more progressive choice for this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Jeffrey McKay

    Jeffrey McKay is a Fairfax County native and currently lives in Lee District with his family. Morris Glen, an affordable senior housing complex in McKay’s district, is named after his grandmother.

    Jeffrey McKay is a Fairfax County native and currently lives in Lee District with his family. Morris Glen, an affordable senior housing complex in McKay’s district, is named after his grandmother. She was a well-known advocate in the area, and McKay cites her as the inspiration for his life in advocacy. McKay received his undergraduate degree in Public Administration from James Madison University, and is a graduate of the Sorensen Institute of Political Leadership at the University of Virginia. Previously, McKay served as Supervisor Dana Kauffman’s Chief of Staff. After over ten years of working with Kauffman, he was elected Lee District Supervisor in November 2007.

    He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors’ Budget and Legislative Committees. McKay is working to increase transit options through his membership as Chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and on the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). McKay states that his goals include creating inclusion through social and racial equity, including supporting and advocating for his residents against the discriminatory policies of the current administration. McKay supports the policies One Fairfax, an initiative to foster inclusivity and equity throughout the county.

    During his time as Budget Chairman, McKay passed a budget to fully fund schools in the area. He aims to continue to make education a priority by increasing teacher pay and expanding equitable programming to all students and districts. He supports clean energy, and if elected will remove barriers to solar power and push forward initiatives to lower the county’s carbon footprint. McKay wants to improve the lives of residents by increasing public transportation and access to affordable housing and healthcare. He also believes in common sense gun violence prevention laws and wants to foster community between the police force and the residents.

    McKay’s opponent is Republican Joe Galdo. He ran for Congress in 2014 as a Green Party candidate. He wants to “make Fairfax great again.” While he supports green initiatives, Galdo wants to increase funding for law enforcement as opposed to implementing more equitable practices. He alsos supports collaboration with ICE. Galdo’s website uses pejorative language referring to “illegal” immigrants and urges local police to enforce detainers issued by ICE. This would allow police departments to hold people past their release date so ICE can determine what their next move is, which can lead to deportation.

    McKay is the more progressive choice for this race.

    Jeffrey McKay

    Jeffrey McKay is a Fairfax County native and currently lives in Lee District with his family. Morris Glen, an affordable senior housing complex in McKay’s district, is named after his grandmother.

  • Democrat Steve Descano has lived in Fairfax with his family for the past 8 years. He is a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army helicopter pilot. After his time in the military, Descano attended Temple University’s law school. During the Obama Administration, he was recruited through the Attorney General’s Honors Program at the United States Department of Justice, and spent the next six years as a federal prosecutor. In 2016, became the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel at Paragon Autism Services. His role is to provide behavioral therapy to children who currently lack access to services.

    Descano previously served on the board of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia and Fairfax County NAACP Criminal Justice Committee. He is currently a member of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee.

    As Commonwealth’s Attorney, Descano will center community, justice, and equality. He wants to eliminate the cash bail system, which has proven to be an unjust process that incarcerates lower income residents who have not been convicted of a crime. Descano recognizes the economic and racial disparities in the criminal justice system and is committed as Commonwealth’s Attorney to ensuring his office treats everyone equally. Descano wants to end mass incarceration and the War on Drugs.

    Descano wants to focus on serious crime and healing of families. If elected, he plans to save the commonwealth money by not spending resources on low level crime and lessening the usage of the death penalty. Descano supports our immigrant communities, and does not believe in tearing families apart. His platform supports transparency and communication between the justice system and residents to foster trust.

    Descano’s opponent is Jonathon Fahey, a former federal prosecutor under the Trump Administration. Fahey does not support criminal justice reforms. His major concerns are the opioid crisis and gang violence.

    Descano is the more progressive choice for Commonwealth’s Attorney.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Steve Descano

    Democrat Steve Descano has lived in Fairfax with his family for the past 8 years. He is a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army helicopter pilot. After his time in the military, Descano attended Temple University’s law school.

    Democrat Steve Descano has lived in Fairfax with his family for the past 8 years. He is a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army helicopter pilot. After his time in the military, Descano attended Temple University’s law school. During the Obama Administration, he was recruited through the Attorney General’s Honors Program at the United States Department of Justice, and spent the next six years as a federal prosecutor. In 2016, became the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel at Paragon Autism Services. His role is to provide behavioral therapy to children who currently lack access to services.

    Descano previously served on the board of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia and Fairfax County NAACP Criminal Justice Committee. He is currently a member of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee.

    As Commonwealth’s Attorney, Descano will center community, justice, and equality. He wants to eliminate the cash bail system, which has proven to be an unjust process that incarcerates lower income residents who have not been convicted of a crime. Descano recognizes the economic and racial disparities in the criminal justice system and is committed as Commonwealth’s Attorney to ensuring his office treats everyone equally. Descano wants to end mass incarceration and the War on Drugs.

    Descano wants to focus on serious crime and healing of families. If elected, he plans to save the commonwealth money by not spending resources on low level crime and lessening the usage of the death penalty. Descano supports our immigrant communities, and does not believe in tearing families apart. His platform supports transparency and communication between the justice system and residents to foster trust.

    Descano’s opponent is Jonathon Fahey, a former federal prosecutor under the Trump Administration. Fahey does not support criminal justice reforms. His major concerns are the opioid crisis and gang violence.

    Descano is the more progressive choice for Commonwealth’s Attorney.

    Steve Descano

    Democrat Steve Descano has lived in Fairfax with his family for the past 8 years. He is a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army helicopter pilot. After his time in the military, Descano attended Temple University’s law school.

  • Abrar Omeish is a second generation student of Fairfax public schools. She co-founded GIVE (Growth And Inspiration Through Volunteering And Education), a youth-led non-profit that has been providing free tutoring and mentorship for over 10 years. She chairs the Student Human Rights Commission and is the appointed co-chair of the School Board Advisory Committees. She is President of the county-led Fairfax County Public School Superintendent’s Advisory Council. Omeish amended county policy on bullying with a 12-step plan entitled "Bring It On". She has experience with youth in political fields, including founding the Robinson High School Young Democrats.

    Omeish’s first priority is equity in education. She wants to implement programs to close achievement gaps within schools to ensure students have equal opportunity to succeed. Because mental health is another priority, Omeish wants to incentivize anti-bullying procedure and plans within Student Government and Student Council Alliances. She wants to ensure that teachers are treated well, and this concern traverses equitable hiring practices to adequate salaries.

    Omeish is a progressive choice for this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Abrar E. Omeish

    Abrar Omeish is a second generation student of Fairfax public schools. She co-founded GIVE (Growth And Inspiration Through Volunteering And Education), a youth-led non-profit that has been providing free tutoring and mentorship for over 10 years.

    Abrar Omeish is a second generation student of Fairfax public schools. She co-founded GIVE (Growth And Inspiration Through Volunteering And Education), a youth-led non-profit that has been providing free tutoring and mentorship for over 10 years. She chairs the Student Human Rights Commission and is the appointed co-chair of the School Board Advisory Committees. She is President of the county-led Fairfax County Public School Superintendent’s Advisory Council. Omeish amended county policy on bullying with a 12-step plan entitled "Bring It On". She has experience with youth in political fields, including founding the Robinson High School Young Democrats.

    Omeish’s first priority is equity in education. She wants to implement programs to close achievement gaps within schools to ensure students have equal opportunity to succeed. Because mental health is another priority, Omeish wants to incentivize anti-bullying procedure and plans within Student Government and Student Council Alliances. She wants to ensure that teachers are treated well, and this concern traverses equitable hiring practices to adequate salaries.

    Omeish is a progressive choice for this race.

    Abrar E. Omeish

    Abrar Omeish is a second generation student of Fairfax public schools. She co-founded GIVE (Growth And Inspiration Through Volunteering And Education), a youth-led non-profit that has been providing free tutoring and mentorship for over 10 years.

  • Karen Keys-Gamarra has lived in Fairfax County since 1990. She received an undergraduate degree from Tulane University and a J.D. from Washington University School of Law. She currently resides in Fairfax with her family, and is a child advocate and attorney.

    Keys-Gamarra has been on the school board since September 2017. During her time as a Board member, she supported the One Fairfax policy to address equity and access concerns within Fairfax public schools. Currently, Keys-Gamarra serves on the Governance and Audit Committees, the Community Criminal Justice Board, and the Title I Parent Advisory Committee.

    During her time on the School Board, she has fought for equity by seconding the motion to rename Justice High School and aided in creating local policy to choose appropriate names for county schools. She has focused on continuing efforts to improve our discipline process by trying to eliminate disparities and improve restorative efforts to keep students in school.

    She was able to adopt a budget that provided improved salaries for our educators. Keys-Gamarra also presented a motion to support menstrual equity, and support efforts to improve the way Fairfax residents care for the environment.

    Keys-Gamarra is a progressive choice for this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Karen Keys-Gamarra

    Karen Keys-Gamarra has lived in Fairfax County since 1990. She received an undergraduate degree from Tulane University and a J.D. from Washington University School of Law. She currently resides in Fairfax with her family, and is a child advocate and attorney.

    Karen Keys-Gamarra has lived in Fairfax County since 1990. She received an undergraduate degree from Tulane University and a J.D. from Washington University School of Law. She currently resides in Fairfax with her family, and is a child advocate and attorney.

    Keys-Gamarra has been on the school board since September 2017. During her time as a Board member, she supported the One Fairfax policy to address equity and access concerns within Fairfax public schools. Currently, Keys-Gamarra serves on the Governance and Audit Committees, the Community Criminal Justice Board, and the Title I Parent Advisory Committee.

    During her time on the School Board, she has fought for equity by seconding the motion to rename Justice High School and aided in creating local policy to choose appropriate names for county schools. She has focused on continuing efforts to improve our discipline process by trying to eliminate disparities and improve restorative efforts to keep students in school.

    She was able to adopt a budget that provided improved salaries for our educators. Keys-Gamarra also presented a motion to support menstrual equity, and support efforts to improve the way Fairfax residents care for the environment.

    Keys-Gamarra is a progressive choice for this race.

    Karen Keys-Gamarra

    Karen Keys-Gamarra has lived in Fairfax County since 1990. She received an undergraduate degree from Tulane University and a J.D. from Washington University School of Law. She currently resides in Fairfax with her family, and is a child advocate and attorney.

  • A first-generation American, candidate Rachna Seizmore Heizer received her law degree and Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy from the University of California at Berkeley. Her advocacy for students stems from her children. Heizer advocated for her daughter to enroll in advanced classes regardless of her mental health, and for her son to enroll in music classes in tandem with his special needs classes.

    She previously taught Constitutional and Criminal Law at George Mason University. Currently Heizer is the Coordinator of Online Human Resource Development Curriculum and Instruction and teaches Employment Law, Leadership, Staffing Strategies, Human Relations, and Diversity and Cultural Competency online at Texas Tech University. Heizer was appointed to the board of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and the Fairfax County Public School Board’s Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities. She is also a board member of the Fairfax County Alliance for Human Services, the Fairfax County Special Education PTA, and the Fairfax County Public School’s Inclusion Workgroup.

    Heizer’s platform is centered on equity and inclusion. She wants to close achievement gaps and ensure all students have an equal opportunity to succeed regardless of who they are or what their interest is. Heizer wants to ensure that teachers have the proper training to support their students so their differences are not seen as limitations or issues. She is concerned about student safety, both mentally and physically. She wants to implement holistic approaches to teaching and supporting, in addition to increasing mental and behavioral health services. Heizer also wants to limit the use of student restraint for extreme cases. If elected, Heizer plans to implement green initiatives and a program that will increase student civic engagement. Heizer has been endorsed by Casa in Action.

    Heizer is a progressive choice for this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Rachna Seizmore Heizer

    A first-generation American, candidate Rachna Seizmore Heizer received her law degree and Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy from the University of California at Berkeley. Her advocacy for students stems from her children.

    A first-generation American, candidate Rachna Seizmore Heizer received her law degree and Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy from the University of California at Berkeley. Her advocacy for students stems from her children. Heizer advocated for her daughter to enroll in advanced classes regardless of her mental health, and for her son to enroll in music classes in tandem with his special needs classes.

    She previously taught Constitutional and Criminal Law at George Mason University. Currently Heizer is the Coordinator of Online Human Resource Development Curriculum and Instruction and teaches Employment Law, Leadership, Staffing Strategies, Human Relations, and Diversity and Cultural Competency online at Texas Tech University. Heizer was appointed to the board of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and the Fairfax County Public School Board’s Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities. She is also a board member of the Fairfax County Alliance for Human Services, the Fairfax County Special Education PTA, and the Fairfax County Public School’s Inclusion Workgroup.

    Heizer’s platform is centered on equity and inclusion. She wants to close achievement gaps and ensure all students have an equal opportunity to succeed regardless of who they are or what their interest is. Heizer wants to ensure that teachers have the proper training to support their students so their differences are not seen as limitations or issues. She is concerned about student safety, both mentally and physically. She wants to implement holistic approaches to teaching and supporting, in addition to increasing mental and behavioral health services. Heizer also wants to limit the use of student restraint for extreme cases. If elected, Heizer plans to implement green initiatives and a program that will increase student civic engagement. Heizer has been endorsed by Casa in Action.

    Heizer is a progressive choice for this race.

    Rachna Seizmore Heizer

    A first-generation American, candidate Rachna Seizmore Heizer received her law degree and Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy from the University of California at Berkeley. Her advocacy for students stems from her children.

Other Candidates

Cheryl Buford previously worked at the Institutional Religious Freedom Alliance. This Alliance is known for urging President Obama to allow discrimination of the LGBTQ+ community on the basis of religious freedom. Buford has been endorsed by the Fairfax County Republican Committee.

Priscilla DeStefano is a first generation American and attended Fairfax County Public Schools. DeStefano disagrees with school board actions to rename schools named after Confederate figures, calling these efforts “partisan politics.”DeStefano has been endorsed by the Fairfax County Republican Committee.

Vinson Xavier Palathingal is a resident of McLean, Virginia. He resides there with his wife and two children, both products of University of Virginia. He is originally from Kochi in Kerala State, India, but has lived in the US for 27 years. He has both an undergraduate and graduate degree in engineering. This informs his desire to increase STEM program funding for public schools. Palathingal self-identifies as a conservative, and has criticized the school board for implementing a comprehensive sex ed curriculum while establishing protections for transgender students. Palathingal’s solution for racial disparities in student achievement is school privatization. Palathingal has been endorsed by the Fairfax County Republican Committee.

IIryong Moon is a current member of the Fairfax School Board. He graduated from T.C. Williams Senior High School and later earned an undergraduate degree from Harvard University, and a J.D. from College of William and Mary. Moon cites the expanding of kindergarten to a full day as a top accomplishment.

Fairfax school board other candidates

Cheryl Buford previously worked at the Institutional Religious Freedom Alliance. This Alliance is known for urging President Obama to allow discrimination of the LGBTQ+ community on the basis of religious freedom. Buford has been endorsed by the Fairfax County Republican Committee.

District Offices

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below county races on your ballot.

  • James Walkinshaw was born and raised in Northern Virginia. Walkinshaw graduated from New York University with an undergraduate degree in Politics in 2005. He worked for twelve years as an adviser to Gerry Connolly, the Congressman from Virginia’s 11th district. Walkinshaw volunteers as a mentor through Fairfax County’s Befriend-A-Child program. He is an at-large member of Fairfax County’s Domestic Violence Prevention, Policy, and Coordinating Council. Through this council he helped lead the effort to raise awareness of the 24-hour domestic and sexual violence hotline through the county’s “Make the Call” campaign.

    Walkinshaw is concerned about climate change, and says that achieving carbon neutrality, or reducing our carbon footprint to zero, is the solution. Within education, he wants to eliminate racially-biased testing outcomes and forms of discipline. Walkinshaw also aims to expand adult ESL programs. He wants to promote programs for children of all abilities by expanding access to counselors and psychologists within public schools. Walkinshaw prioritizes job creation, and he was to promote ability-focused employment opportunities for people with disabilities. He also supports increasing access to affordable housing.

    Walkinshaw’s opponent is Republican Jason Remer. Like Walkinshaw, Remer expresses support for investments in education and reforming our criminal justice system.

    However, given Walkinshaw’s experience in producing progressive results and his compelling community endorsements from SEIU Virginia 512, the Sierra Club, and many local labor unions, Walkinshaw is the more progressive choice.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    James Walkinshaw

    James Walkinshaw was born and raised in Northern Virginia. Walkinshaw graduated from New York University with an undergraduate degree in Politics in 2005. He worked for twelve years as an adviser to Gerry Connolly, the Congressman from Virginia’s 11th district.

    James Walkinshaw was born and raised in Northern Virginia. Walkinshaw graduated from New York University with an undergraduate degree in Politics in 2005. He worked for twelve years as an adviser to Gerry Connolly, the Congressman from Virginia’s 11th district. Walkinshaw volunteers as a mentor through Fairfax County’s Befriend-A-Child program. He is an at-large member of Fairfax County’s Domestic Violence Prevention, Policy, and Coordinating Council. Through this council he helped lead the effort to raise awareness of the 24-hour domestic and sexual violence hotline through the county’s “Make the Call” campaign.

    Walkinshaw is concerned about climate change, and says that achieving carbon neutrality, or reducing our carbon footprint to zero, is the solution. Within education, he wants to eliminate racially-biased testing outcomes and forms of discipline. Walkinshaw also aims to expand adult ESL programs. He wants to promote programs for children of all abilities by expanding access to counselors and psychologists within public schools. Walkinshaw prioritizes job creation, and he was to promote ability-focused employment opportunities for people with disabilities. He also supports increasing access to affordable housing.

    Walkinshaw’s opponent is Republican Jason Remer. Like Walkinshaw, Remer expresses support for investments in education and reforming our criminal justice system.

    However, given Walkinshaw’s experience in producing progressive results and his compelling community endorsements from SEIU Virginia 512, the Sierra Club, and many local labor unions, Walkinshaw is the more progressive choice.

    James Walkinshaw

    James Walkinshaw was born and raised in Northern Virginia. Walkinshaw graduated from New York University with an undergraduate degree in Politics in 2005. He worked for twelve years as an adviser to Gerry Connolly, the Congressman from Virginia’s 11th district.

  • Megan McLaughin is a the current school board member for the Braddock District. She holds her master's in social work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and a bachelor of arts from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the School Board, she served as president and co-founder of FAIRGRADE, chairman and co-founder of Fairfax Education Coalition, and president of Little Run Elementary School PTA. She was first elected to the board in 2012. Her three children all graduated from FCPS.

    McLaughlin voted for a more comprehensive sex-ed curriculum and has expressed concern about the growing prevalence of “vaping” among students. She has been endorsed by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee

    Zia Tompkins is challenging McLaughlin. He has been endorsed by the local Republican committee. Tompkins is because of strong opposition to school redistricting. He condemns plans to use race and socio-economic status as factors among many that are considered during school redistricting and has condemned what she calls “raw demography in the name of social justice “equity.””

    Megan McLaughin is the more progressive choice for Braddock District School Board.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Megan McLaughin

    Megan McLaughin is a the current school board member for the Braddock District. She holds her master's in social work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and a bachelor of arts from the University of Pennsylvania.

    Megan McLaughin is a the current school board member for the Braddock District. She holds her master's in social work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and a bachelor of arts from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the School Board, she served as president and co-founder of FAIRGRADE, chairman and co-founder of Fairfax Education Coalition, and president of Little Run Elementary School PTA. She was first elected to the board in 2012. Her three children all graduated from FCPS.

    McLaughlin voted for a more comprehensive sex-ed curriculum and has expressed concern about the growing prevalence of “vaping” among students. She has been endorsed by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee

    Zia Tompkins is challenging McLaughlin. He has been endorsed by the local Republican committee. Tompkins is because of strong opposition to school redistricting. He condemns plans to use race and socio-economic status as factors among many that are considered during school redistricting and has condemned what she calls “raw demography in the name of social justice “equity.””

    Megan McLaughin is the more progressive choice for Braddock District School Board.

    Megan McLaughin

    Megan McLaughin is a the current school board member for the Braddock District. She holds her master's in social work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and a bachelor of arts from the University of Pennsylvania.

  • Democrat John Foust has been a member of the Board of Supervisors since 2008. Foust was the first in his family to attend college, and proceeded to obtain a graduate and law degree after his undergraduate degree in economics. He serves as Chairman of the Board’s Transportation and Information Technology Committees, Vice-chairman of the Board’s Budget Committee, and Chairman of the Fairfax County Economic Advisory Commission.

    As a member of the board, Foust is proud of helping to balance twelve budgets after the Great Recession and expanding full day kindergarten to the entire county. Foust played a role in creating a more comfortable and affordable living environment for senior citizens by creating a Senior Center and increasing the number of affordable housing units at Lewisville Center.

    Foust’s priorities are increasing access to jobs and affordable housing, as well as improving transportation in Dranesville. He wants to ensure that the local government is more transparent and accountable. Foust is concerned with protecting our environment and fighting against climate change. Education is also on his platform, including ensuring schools in the Dranesville district continue to provide a quality education.

    Foust’s opponent, Republican Ed Martin, previously served as chairman of the Missouri Republican Party. He has previously run for Congress and Attorney General in Missouri. He believes a Democratic majority will ruin Virginia. In 2016, Martin co-wrote “The Conservative Case for Donald Trump.” Locally, Martin has been vocal about his disapproval of One Fairfax, an initiative to prioritize equity within the county government and school.

    Foust is the more progressive choice for this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    John Foust

    Democrat John Foust has been a member of the Board of Supervisors since 2008. Foust was the first in his family to attend college, and proceeded to obtain a graduate and law degree after his undergraduate degree in economics.

    Democrat John Foust has been a member of the Board of Supervisors since 2008. Foust was the first in his family to attend college, and proceeded to obtain a graduate and law degree after his undergraduate degree in economics. He serves as Chairman of the Board’s Transportation and Information Technology Committees, Vice-chairman of the Board’s Budget Committee, and Chairman of the Fairfax County Economic Advisory Commission.

    As a member of the board, Foust is proud of helping to balance twelve budgets after the Great Recession and expanding full day kindergarten to the entire county. Foust played a role in creating a more comfortable and affordable living environment for senior citizens by creating a Senior Center and increasing the number of affordable housing units at Lewisville Center.

    Foust’s priorities are increasing access to jobs and affordable housing, as well as improving transportation in Dranesville. He wants to ensure that the local government is more transparent and accountable. Foust is concerned with protecting our environment and fighting against climate change. Education is also on his platform, including ensuring schools in the Dranesville district continue to provide a quality education.

    Foust’s opponent, Republican Ed Martin, previously served as chairman of the Missouri Republican Party. He has previously run for Congress and Attorney General in Missouri. He believes a Democratic majority will ruin Virginia. In 2016, Martin co-wrote “The Conservative Case for Donald Trump.” Locally, Martin has been vocal about his disapproval of One Fairfax, an initiative to prioritize equity within the county government and school.

    Foust is the more progressive choice for this race.

    John Foust

    Democrat John Foust has been a member of the Board of Supervisors since 2008. Foust was the first in his family to attend college, and proceeded to obtain a graduate and law degree after his undergraduate degree in economics.

  • Elaine Tholen has been a resident of Fairfax County for the past 25 years where she currently resides with her family. She received her undergraduate degree in Science Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her graduate degree from the University of Maryland-College Park. Tholen previously worked for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). During that time, she led a staff focused on environmental cleanups for the US Department of Energy. Currently, Tholen is a Virginia middle school science teacher and has worked in elementary, middle, and high schools. She has also held administrative offices in the Fairfax County Public School System such as the Fairfax County Public Schools Get2Green Program which encouraged school-wide care for the environment.

    Tholen’s priorities center on equity and safety. If elected, she wants to promote unity, ensuring that there are measures for curriculum and programming to be culturally sensitive to all students. She believes in increased safety for our students, and supports common sense gun laws. Tholen wants increased transparency and accountability for the local government, and would start open office hours for residents, in addition to keeping conversations around school boundaries and capacity open for conversation. She has been endorsed by the Fairfax Democrats.

    Anastasia S. Karloutsos is one of two opponents. Karloutsos agrees with Tholen in when it comes to equal quality education to the students. However, while Karloutsos also cites public safety as a priority, she wants to increase law enforcement and police patrol cars instead of pushing for common sense gun laws. She has been endorsed by the Fairfax County GOP.

    Ardavan Mobasheri is also running. His campaign is focused on concerns regarding school redistricting. His platform is similar to Tholen on green initiatives and decreasing class size but he fails to note support for teacher compensation.

    Tholen is the more progressive choice for this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Elaine V. Tholen

    Elaine Tholen has been a resident of Fairfax County for the past 25 years where she currently resides with her family. She received her undergraduate degree in Science Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her graduate degree from the University of Maryland-College Park.

    Elaine Tholen has been a resident of Fairfax County for the past 25 years where she currently resides with her family. She received her undergraduate degree in Science Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her graduate degree from the University of Maryland-College Park. Tholen previously worked for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). During that time, she led a staff focused on environmental cleanups for the US Department of Energy. Currently, Tholen is a Virginia middle school science teacher and has worked in elementary, middle, and high schools. She has also held administrative offices in the Fairfax County Public School System such as the Fairfax County Public Schools Get2Green Program which encouraged school-wide care for the environment.

    Tholen’s priorities center on equity and safety. If elected, she wants to promote unity, ensuring that there are measures for curriculum and programming to be culturally sensitive to all students. She believes in increased safety for our students, and supports common sense gun laws. Tholen wants increased transparency and accountability for the local government, and would start open office hours for residents, in addition to keeping conversations around school boundaries and capacity open for conversation. She has been endorsed by the Fairfax Democrats.

    Anastasia S. Karloutsos is one of two opponents. Karloutsos agrees with Tholen in when it comes to equal quality education to the students. However, while Karloutsos also cites public safety as a priority, she wants to increase law enforcement and police patrol cars instead of pushing for common sense gun laws. She has been endorsed by the Fairfax County GOP.

    Ardavan Mobasheri is also running. His campaign is focused on concerns regarding school redistricting. His platform is similar to Tholen on green initiatives and decreasing class size but he fails to note support for teacher compensation.

    Tholen is the more progressive choice for this race.

    Elaine V. Tholen

    Elaine Tholen has been a resident of Fairfax County for the past 25 years where she currently resides with her family. She received her undergraduate degree in Science Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her graduate degree from the University of Maryland-College Park.

  • Democratic candidate Walter Alcorn has lived in Northern Virginia since the 1980’s. He currently lives in Reston. He received his degree from the University of Virginia and is a little league coach through Reston Youth Baseball.

    Alcorn has been Hunter Mill Supervisor since 2011, and helped make county processes accessible to students. He served on the Fairfax County Park Authority Board and the Affordable Housing Opportunities Mean Everyone (AHOME) board. He was also President of the Herndon High School PTSA.

    Alcorn wants to ensure that Fairfax County maintains a high quality school system, including reviewing funding to make sure teachers are well paid. Alcorn is committed to enforcing the vision of One Fairfax. One Fairfax is a joint social and racial equity policy of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board that commits to intentionally using an equity lens when making policies and programming.

    Alcorn is running unopposed and is the progressive choice in this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Walter Alcorn

    Democratic candidate Walter Alcorn has lived in Northern Virginia since the 1980’s. He currently lives in Reston. He received his degree from the University of Virginia and is a little league coach through Reston Youth Baseball.

    Democratic candidate Walter Alcorn has lived in Northern Virginia since the 1980’s. He currently lives in Reston. He received his degree from the University of Virginia and is a little league coach through Reston Youth Baseball.

    Alcorn has been Hunter Mill Supervisor since 2011, and helped make county processes accessible to students. He served on the Fairfax County Park Authority Board and the Affordable Housing Opportunities Mean Everyone (AHOME) board. He was also President of the Herndon High School PTSA.

    Alcorn wants to ensure that Fairfax County maintains a high quality school system, including reviewing funding to make sure teachers are well paid. Alcorn is committed to enforcing the vision of One Fairfax. One Fairfax is a joint social and racial equity policy of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board that commits to intentionally using an equity lens when making policies and programming.

    Alcorn is running unopposed and is the progressive choice in this race.

    Walter Alcorn

    Democratic candidate Walter Alcorn has lived in Northern Virginia since the 1980’s. He currently lives in Reston. He received his degree from the University of Virginia and is a little league coach through Reston Youth Baseball.

  • Melanie Meren grew up in New York and has been a resident of Fairfax County since 2005. Meren received her graduate degree from the Sanford Institute of Public Policy at Duke University. She started her career in education with the US Department of Education in 2002. Currently, Meren is an independent communications consultant at MKM Strategies.

    Meren is currently involved in her community through her membership with the Fairfax County School Board’s Human Resources Advisory Committee and as the elementary school PTA Green Team Chair. She is a school representative to the Fairfax County Council of PTAs, and a Girl Scout Brownie troop co-leader. She is also a member of the Virginia Association for Environmental Education.

    Her opponent is Republican Laura Drain.

    Meren is the more progressive choice for this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Melanie Meren

    Melanie Meren grew up in New York and has been a resident of Fairfax County since 2005. Meren received her graduate degree from the Sanford Institute of Public Policy at Duke University. She started her career in education with the US Department of Education in 2002.

    Melanie Meren grew up in New York and has been a resident of Fairfax County since 2005. Meren received her graduate degree from the Sanford Institute of Public Policy at Duke University. She started her career in education with the US Department of Education in 2002. Currently, Meren is an independent communications consultant at MKM Strategies.

    Meren is currently involved in her community through her membership with the Fairfax County School Board’s Human Resources Advisory Committee and as the elementary school PTA Green Team Chair. She is a school representative to the Fairfax County Council of PTAs, and a Girl Scout Brownie troop co-leader. She is also a member of the Virginia Association for Environmental Education.

    Her opponent is Republican Laura Drain.

    Meren is the more progressive choice for this race.

    Melanie Meren

    Melanie Meren grew up in New York and has been a resident of Fairfax County since 2005. Meren received her graduate degree from the Sanford Institute of Public Policy at Duke University. She started her career in education with the US Department of Education in 2002.

  • Endorsed By: Casa in Action
  • Rodney Lusk is a native Virginian and has lived in Lee District for 18 years. He received a degree from the University of Virginia. He has worked for Fairfax County for the past 29 years. He is currently the National Marketing Director for the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). Lusk is involved in his community through his membership of the Fairfax County Committee to Prevent and End Homelessness and the Affordable Housing Resource Panel.

    Lusk believes in equity within the justice system. He wants to ensure that those who are released from incarceration are able to integrate into society, and to eliminate racial biases within the system. He wants to reallocate funding to increase options for affordable housing and support pay raises for educators. Lusk is also concerned about protecting and preserving our natural environment. He wants to address the impact of storms for the Fairfax area, and for buildings to use as little energy as possible.

    Lusk is running unopposed and is the progressive choice for this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Rodney Lusk

    Rodney Lusk is a native Virginian and has lived in Lee District for 18 years. He received a degree from the University of Virginia. He has worked for Fairfax County for the past 29 years.

    Rodney Lusk is a native Virginian and has lived in Lee District for 18 years. He received a degree from the University of Virginia. He has worked for Fairfax County for the past 29 years. He is currently the National Marketing Director for the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). Lusk is involved in his community through his membership of the Fairfax County Committee to Prevent and End Homelessness and the Affordable Housing Resource Panel.

    Lusk believes in equity within the justice system. He wants to ensure that those who are released from incarceration are able to integrate into society, and to eliminate racial biases within the system. He wants to reallocate funding to increase options for affordable housing and support pay raises for educators. Lusk is also concerned about protecting and preserving our natural environment. He wants to address the impact of storms for the Fairfax area, and for buildings to use as little energy as possible.

    Lusk is running unopposed and is the progressive choice for this race.

    Rodney Lusk

    Rodney Lusk is a native Virginian and has lived in Lee District for 18 years. He received a degree from the University of Virginia. He has worked for Fairfax County for the past 29 years.

  • Tamara Derenak Kaufax is the current school board member for Lee District, the vice chair of the board, and is running unopposed. She is a long-time advocate for children’s causes and education issues with 20 years of experience as a marketing professional and small business owner.

    Last year she voted to change the district’s nondiscrimination policies to include transgender students, calling it a way to “provide an environment which promotes equality where every student and employee is treated with dignity and respect.”

    She is the progressive choice for Lee District School Board.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Tamara Derenak Kaufax

    Tamara Derenak Kaufax is the current school board member for Lee District, the vice chair of the board, and is running unopposed. She is a long-time advocate for children’s causes and education issues with 20 years of experience as a marketing professional and small business owner.

    Tamara Derenak Kaufax is the current school board member for Lee District, the vice chair of the board, and is running unopposed. She is a long-time advocate for children’s causes and education issues with 20 years of experience as a marketing professional and small business owner.

    Last year she voted to change the district’s nondiscrimination policies to include transgender students, calling it a way to “provide an environment which promotes equality where every student and employee is treated with dignity and respect.”

    She is the progressive choice for Lee District School Board.

    Tamara Derenak Kaufax

    Tamara Derenak Kaufax is the current school board member for Lee District, the vice chair of the board, and is running unopposed. She is a long-time advocate for children’s causes and education issues with 20 years of experience as a marketing professional and small business owner.

  • Democrat Daniel Storck has been a resident of the Mount Vernon District for over 25 years. He has been a member of the Fairfax Board of Supervisors since 2015. He previously served on the school board. During his time on the County Board, Stork helped create teams of citizens to work on to reducing issues that the community identified, including unemployment, school renovations and educational opportunities, and environmental protection.
    Storck also worked on solutions for increased access to affordable housing and health care. He has prioritized green land-use policies and increased funding to extend the Metro’s Yellow Line as well as tackling the proliferation of predatory car title lenders along Rt. 1.


    Storck is running unopposed and is the progressive choice in this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Daniel Storck

    Democrat Daniel Storck has been a resident of the Mount Vernon District for over 25 years. He has been a member of the Fairfax Board of Supervisors since 2015. He previously served on the school board.

    Democrat Daniel Storck has been a resident of the Mount Vernon District for over 25 years. He has been a member of the Fairfax Board of Supervisors since 2015. He previously served on the school board. During his time on the County Board, Stork helped create teams of citizens to work on to reducing issues that the community identified, including unemployment, school renovations and educational opportunities, and environmental protection.
    Storck also worked on solutions for increased access to affordable housing and health care. He has prioritized green land-use policies and increased funding to extend the Metro’s Yellow Line as well as tackling the proliferation of predatory car title lenders along Rt. 1.


    Storck is running unopposed and is the progressive choice in this race.

    Daniel Storck

    Democrat Daniel Storck has been a resident of the Mount Vernon District for over 25 years. He has been a member of the Fairfax Board of Supervisors since 2015. He previously served on the school board.

  • Karen Corbett Sanders is the current chair of the Fairfax County School Board. She believes that Fairfax County must provide a world class education to each of its students no matter where they live. Corbett Sanders is a retired international business executive, a community advocate for healthcare and education issues, past PTA president, and Odyssey of the Mind coach. She has served on Boards of Directors and operating committees for international telecommunications companies and, locally, on the Quality Board of Inova Children’s Hospital and the Regional Board for Odyssey of the Mind. Corbett Sanders has a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master's degree from Boston University. She serves on the parent advisory board of Creighton University.

    Corbett Sanders believes equity in education must be paramount and as such worked to adopt the One Fairfax Policy on Equity. She has also prioritized expanding mental health supports for students, expanding access to early childhood education, and increasing pay and benefits for educators. She worked with her colleagues to adopt a Climate Change policy and established a Joint Environmental Task Force with the Board of Supervisors. Corbett Sanders is endorsed by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee.

    Also running are Steven Mosley and Pamela Ononiwu. Mosley describes himself as a Christian conservative. He is outspoken in his opposition to current school board policy on comprehensive sex education and nondiscrimination protections for transgender students. Ononiwu is a child advocate and parent who is running to reform school discipline policies.

    While Pamela Ononiwu raises important issues around school discipline and the school to prison pipeline, Karen Corbett Sanders has a strong record of delivering progressive policies in her time on the school board and is the more progressive choice for Mt. Vernon District School Board.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Karen Corbett Sanders

    Karen Corbett Sanders is the current chair of the Fairfax County School Board. She believes that Fairfax County must provide a world class education to each of its students no matter where they live.

    Karen Corbett Sanders is the current chair of the Fairfax County School Board. She believes that Fairfax County must provide a world class education to each of its students no matter where they live. Corbett Sanders is a retired international business executive, a community advocate for healthcare and education issues, past PTA president, and Odyssey of the Mind coach. She has served on Boards of Directors and operating committees for international telecommunications companies and, locally, on the Quality Board of Inova Children’s Hospital and the Regional Board for Odyssey of the Mind. Corbett Sanders has a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master's degree from Boston University. She serves on the parent advisory board of Creighton University.

    Corbett Sanders believes equity in education must be paramount and as such worked to adopt the One Fairfax Policy on Equity. She has also prioritized expanding mental health supports for students, expanding access to early childhood education, and increasing pay and benefits for educators. She worked with her colleagues to adopt a Climate Change policy and established a Joint Environmental Task Force with the Board of Supervisors. Corbett Sanders is endorsed by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee.

    Also running are Steven Mosley and Pamela Ononiwu. Mosley describes himself as a Christian conservative. He is outspoken in his opposition to current school board policy on comprehensive sex education and nondiscrimination protections for transgender students. Ononiwu is a child advocate and parent who is running to reform school discipline policies.

    While Pamela Ononiwu raises important issues around school discipline and the school to prison pipeline, Karen Corbett Sanders has a strong record of delivering progressive policies in her time on the school board and is the more progressive choice for Mt. Vernon District School Board.

    Karen Corbett Sanders

    Karen Corbett Sanders is the current chair of the Fairfax County School Board. She believes that Fairfax County must provide a world class education to each of its students no matter where they live.

  • Democrat Dalia Palchik born in Argentina, and her family moved to Virginia when she was six years old. Palchik went to Fairfax County Public School and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. She went to Tufts University in Massachusetts to study Anthropology and French.

    Palchik was originally elected in 2015, and has since then represented Providence District as a member of the Fairfax County School Board. Palchik sits on many boards and committees, including the Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee as a liaison.

    Education is one of Palchik’s priorities. She supports increasing funding for universal Pre-K, raising teacher pay, and renovating Fairfax County schools to meet current needs. She is openly supportive of equity, stating that the divisiveness that is projected from the White House is not welcome in her community.

    Palchik’s opponent died unexpectedly from a heart attack during campaigning. She is the progressive candidate in this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Dalia Palchik

    Democrat Dalia Palchik born in Argentina, and her family moved to Virginia when she was six years old. Palchik went to Fairfax County Public School and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

    Democrat Dalia Palchik born in Argentina, and her family moved to Virginia when she was six years old. Palchik went to Fairfax County Public School and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. She went to Tufts University in Massachusetts to study Anthropology and French.

    Palchik was originally elected in 2015, and has since then represented Providence District as a member of the Fairfax County School Board. Palchik sits on many boards and committees, including the Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee as a liaison.

    Education is one of Palchik’s priorities. She supports increasing funding for universal Pre-K, raising teacher pay, and renovating Fairfax County schools to meet current needs. She is openly supportive of equity, stating that the divisiveness that is projected from the White House is not welcome in her community.

    Palchik’s opponent died unexpectedly from a heart attack during campaigning. She is the progressive candidate in this race.

    Dalia Palchik

    Democrat Dalia Palchik born in Argentina, and her family moved to Virginia when she was six years old. Palchik went to Fairfax County Public School and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

  • Democratic candidate Karl Frisch was born in California. He lives next to Mosby Woods Elementary with his partner, who is a Fairfax County Public School teacher.

    Surprisingly, Frisch began his political work with conservatives doing press and field work for Senator John McCain‘s first presidential campaign. After being open about his sexuality and his progressive ideals, he began work for Jim Hahn as a field director for his 2001 mayoral campaign in Los Angeles. That was followed by a role as deputy communications director of the California Democratic Party in 2002. In 2004, he joined the media team of Howard Dean‘s presidential campaign. Frisch was later press secretary for Louise Slaughter, the Congresswoman of New York, the Democrats on the House Rules Committee, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. More recently, Frisch has worked as the communications director for Media Matters for America. Frisch is a best known as a columnist and political strategist, and has helped clients like the National Education Association and Rock the Vote in their marketing and public relations. Locally, Frisch is a member of the Fairfax County Citizens for Better Schools Committee.

    Frisch’s platform is focused on equity. He supports One Fairfax, which is an initiative to foster inclusion in the county. The goal for this initiative is for inclusivity to be the norm for years to come. Frisch wants to address both substance abuse and disparities within special education, ensuring that there are resources and opportunities for families involved with either. If elected, he wants to close the achievement gap and address the decline of Latinx student enrollment. Frisch wants to address the racial and cultural disparities within Fairfax County school system, and observe Muslim and Jewish holidays. He wants to push for increased teacher and staff pay, as well as smaller class sizes. Frisch believes in prevention and restorative justice, and wants to foster a more restorative approach to discipline. He opposes the use of force with students. He supports common sense gun laws, clean initiatives, and rebranding for schools named after Confederates. Frisch wants to improve Family Life Education, and believes in age-appropriate, consent-based education.

    Frisch has been endorsed by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee.

    Andrea Bayer is Frisch’s Republican-endorsed opponent. She is anti-LGBTQ, and is a staunch conservative Republican. Her platform is not available online, but she has managed to make an impact.

    Jung Byun is also running for the Providence District seat. Her platform includes reducing class size and increasing teacher pay, focusing on more diverse career options, and creating an inclusive environment.

    Frisch is the more progressive choice for this race.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Karl Frisch

    Democratic candidate Karl Frisch was born in California. He lives next to Mosby Woods Elementary with his partner, who is a Fairfax County Public School teacher.

    Democratic candidate Karl Frisch was born in California. He lives next to Mosby Woods Elementary with his partner, who is a Fairfax County Public School teacher.

    Surprisingly, Frisch began his political work with conservatives doing press and field work for Senator John McCain‘s first presidential campaign. After being open about his sexuality and his progressive ideals, he began work for Jim Hahn as a field director for his 2001 mayoral campaign in Los Angeles. That was followed by a role as deputy communications director of the California Democratic Party in 2002. In 2004, he joined the media team of Howard Dean‘s presidential campaign. Frisch was later press secretary for Louise Slaughter, the Congresswoman of New York, the Democrats on the House Rules Committee, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. More recently, Frisch has worked as the communications director for Media Matters for America. Frisch is a best known as a columnist and political strategist, and has helped clients like the National Education Association and Rock the Vote in their marketing and public relations. Locally, Frisch is a member of the Fairfax County Citizens for Better Schools Committee.

    Frisch’s platform is focused on equity. He supports One Fairfax, which is an initiative to foster inclusion in the county. The goal for this initiative is for inclusivity to be the norm for years to come. Frisch wants to address both substance abuse and disparities within special education, ensuring that there are resources and opportunities for families involved with either. If elected, he wants to close the achievement gap and address the decline of Latinx student enrollment. Frisch wants to address the racial and cultural disparities within Fairfax County school system, and observe Muslim and Jewish holidays. He wants to push for increased teacher and staff pay, as well as smaller class sizes. Frisch believes in prevention and restorative justice, and wants to foster a more restorative approach to discipline. He opposes the use of force with students. He supports common sense gun laws, clean initiatives, and rebranding for schools named after Confederates. Frisch wants to improve Family Life Education, and believes in age-appropriate, consent-based education.

    Frisch has been endorsed by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee.

    Andrea Bayer is Frisch’s Republican-endorsed opponent. She is anti-LGBTQ, and is a staunch conservative Republican. Her platform is not available online, but she has managed to make an impact.

    Jung Byun is also running for the Providence District seat. Her platform includes reducing class size and increasing teacher pay, focusing on more diverse career options, and creating an inclusive environment.

    Frisch is the more progressive choice for this race.

    Karl Frisch

    Democratic candidate Karl Frisch was born in California. He lives next to Mosby Woods Elementary with his partner, who is a Fairfax County Public School teacher.

  • Endorsed By: Casa in Action
  • Democrat Linda Sperling has lived in Fairfax her entire life. She received an undergraduate degree from George Mason University and a graduate degree in Public Communication from American University. She also attended the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership's Campaign Training Program. Sperling later taught college at George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, and the University of Phoenix. She has guest lectured at Georgetown University and the University of Maryland. She now resides in Fairfax with her family.

    Sperling supports clean energy initiatives, and if elected would start with reducing fossil fuel usage. She wants to improve transportation and lessen traffic in Fairfax. Sperling supports more affordable housing for residents, especially those within the workforce, young families, and seniors. Sperling believes in education accessibility. She wants the Board of Supervisors and the School Board to work together to plan and budget to ensure that all children have an opportunity for success.

    Her opponent is Republican Pat Herrity. Herrity supports cooperating with ICE, using pejorative language like, “illegal aliens” on his website. He supports giving more funding to the police in the name of safety, but does not include bodycams. He does not mention increased de-escalation training or any racial disparities within policing. He claims to support education, but does not mention paying teachers more or reducing class size.

    Sperling is the more progressive choice.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Linda Sperling

    Democrat Linda Sperling has lived in Fairfax her entire life. She received an undergraduate degree from George Mason University and a graduate degree in Public Communication from American University. She also attended the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership's Campaign Training Program.

    Democrat Linda Sperling has lived in Fairfax her entire life. She received an undergraduate degree from George Mason University and a graduate degree in Public Communication from American University. She also attended the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership's Campaign Training Program. Sperling later taught college at George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, and the University of Phoenix. She has guest lectured at Georgetown University and the University of Maryland. She now resides in Fairfax with her family.

    Sperling supports clean energy initiatives, and if elected would start with reducing fossil fuel usage. She wants to improve transportation and lessen traffic in Fairfax. Sperling supports more affordable housing for residents, especially those within the workforce, young families, and seniors. Sperling believes in education accessibility. She wants the Board of Supervisors and the School Board to work together to plan and budget to ensure that all children have an opportunity for success.

    Her opponent is Republican Pat Herrity. Herrity supports cooperating with ICE, using pejorative language like, “illegal aliens” on his website. He supports giving more funding to the police in the name of safety, but does not include bodycams. He does not mention increased de-escalation training or any racial disparities within policing. He claims to support education, but does not mention paying teachers more or reducing class size.

    Sperling is the more progressive choice.

    Linda Sperling

    Democrat Linda Sperling has lived in Fairfax her entire life. She received an undergraduate degree from George Mason University and a graduate degree in Public Communication from American University. She also attended the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership's Campaign Training Program.

  • Endorsed By: SEIU Virginia 512
  • Laura Jane Cohen has been a Fairfax County resident for nearly 20 years and is the mother of two Fairfax County Public Schools students. She was a former preschool teacher and long-term substitute for FCPS before starting her own small business in Clifton. Cohen will advocate for higher teacher and staff pay and the need for increased mental health professionals in our schools. She is committed to being a voice for ALL our students and believes a successful experience in FCPS should be attainable no matter your abilities, race, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. She has been endorsed by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee and the Fairfax Education Association.

    Elizabeth Schultz is the current school board member from the Springfield District. She has been an outspoken, right-wing conservative on the board, leading opposition to comprehensive sex education and protections for transgender students. She has also been vocal in criticizing gun violence prevention efforts. She opposes gun-free school zones and criticized Parkland students for their advocacy for gun violence solutions, stating, “This [gun violence prevention] is not a job for traumatized children.”

    Kyle McDaniel is also seeking the Sully district seat. He is a former Republican who left the party over his opposition to Donald Trump. While he supports efforts to make FCPS more sustainable, Cohen is the progressive choice due to her support for increasing teacher pay and supporting equity within our schools.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Laura Jane Cohen

    Laura Jane Cohen has been a Fairfax County resident for nearly 20 years and is the mother of two Fairfax County Public Schools students. She was a former preschool teacher and long-term substitute for FCPS before starting her own small business in Clifton.

    Laura Jane Cohen has been a Fairfax County resident for nearly 20 years and is the mother of two Fairfax County Public Schools students. She was a former preschool teacher and long-term substitute for FCPS before starting her own small business in Clifton. Cohen will advocate for higher teacher and staff pay and the need for increased mental health professionals in our schools. She is committed to being a voice for ALL our students and believes a successful experience in FCPS should be attainable no matter your abilities, race, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. She has been endorsed by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee and the Fairfax Education Association.

    Elizabeth Schultz is the current school board member from the Springfield District. She has been an outspoken, right-wing conservative on the board, leading opposition to comprehensive sex education and protections for transgender students. She has also been vocal in criticizing gun violence prevention efforts. She opposes gun-free school zones and criticized Parkland students for their advocacy for gun violence solutions, stating, “This [gun violence prevention] is not a job for traumatized children.”

    Kyle McDaniel is also seeking the Sully district seat. He is a former Republican who left the party over his opposition to Donald Trump. While he supports efforts to make FCPS more sustainable, Cohen is the progressive choice due to her support for increasing teacher pay and supporting equity within our schools.

    Laura Jane Cohen

    Laura Jane Cohen has been a Fairfax County resident for nearly 20 years and is the mother of two Fairfax County Public Schools students. She was a former preschool teacher and long-term substitute for FCPS before starting her own small business in Clifton.

  • Endorsed By: Everytown
  • Democratic candidate Kathy Smith is a current member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. After graduating from Muhlenberg College with a BA in Sociology and Elementary Education, Kathy taught first grade in New Jersey and second grade at an International School in Saudi Arabia. She and her husband, Steve, have lived in Sully since 1984, raising their four children here.

    Education is a top priority for Smith. She has worked to increase school funding and raise teacher pay and will continue to pursue those policies on the board. She has also supported implementing the equity goals of One Fairfax. Protecting the environment is also important to Smith. She is concerned with protecting local streams and open space while finding ways to tackle climate change on the local level.

    Srilekha Palle is the Republican candidate for Sully District Supervisor. She was born and raised in India. She lives in Fairfax with her husband and two kids while working as a health care executive and entrepreneur. While Palle supports criminal justice reforms including alternatives to incarceration and expanding the use of body-worn cameras, she also wants to increase the county’s cooperation with ICE to target and deport immigrants. She also expresses support for privatizing and outsourcing local government responsibilities and advocates for an expansion of school privatization schemes like charter schools.

    Smith is the more progressive choice for Sully District Supervisor.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Kathy Smith

    Democratic candidate Kathy Smith is a current member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. After graduating from Muhlenberg College with a BA in Sociology and Elementary Education, Kathy taught first grade in New Jersey and second grade at an International School in Saudi Arabia.

    Democratic candidate Kathy Smith is a current member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. After graduating from Muhlenberg College with a BA in Sociology and Elementary Education, Kathy taught first grade in New Jersey and second grade at an International School in Saudi Arabia. She and her husband, Steve, have lived in Sully since 1984, raising their four children here.

    Education is a top priority for Smith. She has worked to increase school funding and raise teacher pay and will continue to pursue those policies on the board. She has also supported implementing the equity goals of One Fairfax. Protecting the environment is also important to Smith. She is concerned with protecting local streams and open space while finding ways to tackle climate change on the local level.

    Srilekha Palle is the Republican candidate for Sully District Supervisor. She was born and raised in India. She lives in Fairfax with her husband and two kids while working as a health care executive and entrepreneur. While Palle supports criminal justice reforms including alternatives to incarceration and expanding the use of body-worn cameras, she also wants to increase the county’s cooperation with ICE to target and deport immigrants. She also expresses support for privatizing and outsourcing local government responsibilities and advocates for an expansion of school privatization schemes like charter schools.

    Smith is the more progressive choice for Sully District Supervisor.

    Kathy Smith

    Democratic candidate Kathy Smith is a current member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. After graduating from Muhlenberg College with a BA in Sociology and Elementary Education, Kathy taught first grade in New Jersey and second grade at an International School in Saudi Arabia.

  • Stella Pekarsky is the Democratic Committee-endorsed candidate for Sully District School Board. She is the daughter of Greek immigrants and a graduate of George Mason University. She previously worked as a substitute teacher before she co-founded a family air charter business. She and her husband live in Centerville with their six children.

    Pekarksy is running to ensure every child has the resources and opportunity to succeed in Fairfax County schools. She wants to invest in mental health supports and teacher retention while eliminating school trailers and overcrowded classrooms.

    Thomas Wilson is the current member of the Fairfax County School Board from the Sully District. He was elected in 2015and is a graduate of Lake Braddock Secondary School, Cornell University, and the Northwestern University School of Law. After college, Wilson served in the U.S. Army during the Gulf War. He has been living in Fairfax County with his family for more than two decades. He has been an attorney in private practice.

    Wilson has been endorsed by the local Republican committee. He abstained from votes on comprehensive sex education and nondiscrimination protections for transgender students after complaining that the proposals were brought to the board by individuals hostile to people of faith.

    Stella Pekarksy is the progressive choice for Sully District School Board.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Stella Pekarsky

    Stella Pekarsky is the Democratic Committee-endorsed candidate for Sully District School Board. She is the daughter of Greek immigrants and a graduate of George Mason University. She previously worked as a substitute teacher before she co-founded a family air charter business.

    Stella Pekarsky is the Democratic Committee-endorsed candidate for Sully District School Board. She is the daughter of Greek immigrants and a graduate of George Mason University. She previously worked as a substitute teacher before she co-founded a family air charter business. She and her husband live in Centerville with their six children.

    Pekarksy is running to ensure every child has the resources and opportunity to succeed in Fairfax County schools. She wants to invest in mental health supports and teacher retention while eliminating school trailers and overcrowded classrooms.

    Thomas Wilson is the current member of the Fairfax County School Board from the Sully District. He was elected in 2015and is a graduate of Lake Braddock Secondary School, Cornell University, and the Northwestern University School of Law. After college, Wilson served in the U.S. Army during the Gulf War. He has been living in Fairfax County with his family for more than two decades. He has been an attorney in private practice.

    Wilson has been endorsed by the local Republican committee. He abstained from votes on comprehensive sex education and nondiscrimination protections for transgender students after complaining that the proposals were brought to the board by individuals hostile to people of faith.

    Stella Pekarksy is the progressive choice for Sully District School Board.

    Stella Pekarsky

    Stella Pekarsky is the Democratic Committee-endorsed candidate for Sully District School Board. She is the daughter of Greek immigrants and a graduate of George Mason University. She previously worked as a substitute teacher before she co-founded a family air charter business.