Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, three incumbent members of City Council and three newcomers won the seventh annual Alexandria Democratic Committee Straw Poll on Monday night.
The unofficial and unscientific contest is held before every Council primary and is one of the first indicators of how voters are leaning. The 2021 Democratic primary for the six-seat Council is packed with 13 candidates and two mayoral candidates.
Wilson defeated former Mayor Allison Silberberg 226 votes to 176 votes, or 56% to 44%.
“”I’m excited to have a win obviously, but our focus is taking our positive message for the City’s future to the voters in advance of the June primary,” Wilson told ALXnow.
Alyia Gaskins received the top number of votes for Council, closely followed by City Councilman John Taylor Chapman.
“I am grateful to the ADC for holding this important event,” Gaskins said. “It’s a great way for voters to learn more about the candidates. I have been reaching out to voters, hearing their stories and proposing solutions to build a healthier, more just Alexandria. I am thankful to all the volunteers and supporters who’ve helped me get to this point. Now I’m focused on early voting, and Election Day after that.”
The Results
- Alyia Gaskins — 272 votes/14.1%
- John Taylor Chapman (incumbent) — 269 votes/14%
- Canek Aguirre (incumbent) — 227 votes/11.8%
- R. Kirk McPike — 183 votes/9.5%
- Amy Jackson (incumbent) — 182 votes/9.5%
- Sarah Bagley — 166 votes/8.6%
- James C. Lewis, Jr. — 107 votes/5.6%
- Meronne Teklu — 107 votes/5.6%
- Bill Rossello — 104 votes/5.4%
- Kevin Harris — 102 votes/5.3%
- William E. “Bill” Campbell — 72 votes/3.7%
- Mark Leo Shiffer — 70 votes/3.6%
- Patrick B. Moran — 62 votes/3.2%
The ADC Straw Poll is not always an accurate reflection of the electorate, although then-Vice Mayor Wilson defeated then-Mayor Silberberg in 2018. In that same contest, former City Councilor Willie Bailey received the most votes but lost reelection. City Councilwoman Del Pepper, Councilwoman Amy Jackson and outgoing Councilman Mo Seifeldein didn’t make the unofficial cut, either, and still won in the June primary and November general election.
We are so grateful to have the support of so many Alexandria Democrats in last night’s straw poll! Thank you to the @AlexVADems for putting this event together! https://t.co/B1ylxind2h
— John Taylor Chapman (@chapman4council) April 6, 2021
Alyia Gaskins wins Straw Poll held by Alexandria Democratic Committee.
Thank you to everyone who voted, the largest participation to date. Thank you to all of the City Council candidates as well. We all did a great job! pic.twitter.com/nrud0ANXNp
— Alyia Gaskins (@Alyia4ALX) April 6, 2021
Recent Stories
Monarch Montessori School located in the heart of Del Ray is enrolling children 6 weeks to 6 years of age for our half day and full day program.
Our hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday-Friday. Monarch Montessori School is open year round, with intermittent breaks.
Children engage in self-directed, self-initiated activities under the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher. Classroom sizes range from 8-12 students. Our robust curriculum includes botany, sensorial activities, the social graces, culture, math, science, practical life, geography, music appreciation and language arts.
You’ll get half off of the registration fee when you register and begin care with us before April 30, 2023.

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Del Ray Dog Fest & Yappy Hour
The 1st Annual Del Ray Dog Fest is a fun outdoor event that will include dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food on Sunday, April 2 from 11am- 3pm at the George Washington Middle School parking lot.