Alexandria City Council Member Alyia Gaskins defeated her two Democrat rivals on Tuesday, effectively becoming mayor-elect as she faces no opposition in November.
The win makes Gaskins the first Black woman to be mayor of the city.
“I am so honored and humbled to be standing before you as our mayor-elect,” Gaskins said. “This has been a really exciting night for our city. We have so many amazing people willing to sacrifice and serve for their community.”
Gaskins spoke to her supporters at La Casa Restaurant in the West End, and was later congratulated by Mayor Justin Wilson on social media.
“Congratulations to my friend Alyia Gaskins on her nomination to be our next mayor,” Wilson wrote. “She will make a great mayor for all Alexandrians and move our city forward.”
Gaskins declared victory in the low-turnout election with 32 of 33 precincts reporting, winning nearly 60% of the vote, or 9,160 votes, compared to 29% for Vice Mayor Amy Jackson who got 4,483 votes and retired real estate developer Steven Peterson who got 11%, or 1,710 votes. Gaskins also congratulated Jackson and Peterson on a race well run.
Gaskins said that Jackson conceded the race in a text message, but that she did not hear from Peterson.
After the Nov. 5 election when Gaskins officially becomes mayor-elect, she will succeed outgoing Mayor Justin Wilson and be sworn into office for a three year term in January.
Gaskins and Jackson entered the race not long after Wilson announced in December that he was not seeking a third term.
Gaskins watched the returns come in at La Casa Restaurant in the West End with supporters, including Wilson.
“I’m so excited for the work we’re going to do together,” Gaskins said. “Folks you have voted in today are all people who are going to show up for you every single day.”
Vernon Miles contributed to this story
