Three prominent Alexandria Democratic politicians threw their hats in the ring for reelection on Tuesday night (Jan. 7).
Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D-5th), Sheriff Sean Casey and Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter announced their intentions to run for reelection at a virtual meeting of the Alexandria Democratic Committee. The meeting was supposed to be held at Alexandria City High School, but went virtual because of this week’s snowstorm.
Bennett-Parker made a similar reelection announcement to the ADC in 2023.
“Two years ago, I remember standing before you and announcing that I was running for reelection and that I was pregnant,” Bennett-Parker said. “Tonight, I’m excited to announce that I’m running for reelection, and while I’m not pregnant, I’m still excited to keep fighting for a better Virginia for your family and for mine.”
Bennett-Parker started her political career in 2018 when she was elected Alexandria’s vice mayor in her first-ever campaign for office. She won her current seat in November 2021 by defeating Republican Justin “J.D.” Maddox in the general election and incumbent Democrat Del. Mark Levine in the June primary. She faced no opposition when she was reelected in 2023, and currently has $8,585 in her campaign war chest, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.
This session, Bennett-Parker introduced bills to provide free school breakfast to all public school students, prohibit convicted domestic abusers from buying guns. She also expects Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin to once again veto a “record number of bills.”
“I know that Virginia can remain a blue light in the south, the only state without a ban on abortion, a safe haven for LGBTQ people, a state where workers are protected and families have what they need to succeed,” Bennett-Parker said. “We have a lot of work to do, but I know that we can do it together.”
The Democratic primary is June 17 and election day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. On the ballot will be races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, the House of Delegates, as well as some local races.
Casey said that, if elected, he will “launch a body worn camera program to enhance transparency and accountability,” as well as expand educational and workforce training programs to empower inmates of the Alexandria Jail.
Casey was first elected in an uncontested bid for sheriff in 2021, replacing his mentor, retired Sheriff Dana Lawhorne. A lifelong Alexandrian and graduate of T.C. Williams High School (now Alexandria City High School), Casey joined the Sheriff’s Office staff in 2017 after a 14-year stint with the Alexandria Police Department. He currently has $13,639 in campaign cash, according to VPAP.
“Every decision I’ve made as your sheriff has been guided by my motto — community, compassion and commitment,” Casey said. “As your sheriff, I promised to lead the Sheriff’s Office out of the pandemic, prioritize employee wellness, reduce recidivism, recruit a diverse workforce, strengthen community relationships and ensure safety in our jail, courthouse and community, all while being a responsive, transparent and compassionate leader.”
Porter took office in 2014 and is running for his fourth four-year term. Porter has never faced political opposition in his three previous campaigns. He’s running as a “innovative prosecutor with proven results,” he told the ADC.
“I have always been a firm opponent of the death penalty,” Porter said. “I have created innovative programs in my office, like a substance abuse treatment court, a mental health docket and a diversion program so that nonviolent offenders can avoid convictions.”
Porter said that he also implemented a bar on cash bail, and has pushed his prosecutors to avoid implementing first time felony convictions for low level offenses.
Porter spent his first two years in office completely focused on prosecuting the case of Alexandria serial killer Charles Severance. Porter later wrote a book about the experience, and said that every fiber of his being was intent on a conviction.
“I have personally tried over 100 jury trials to include the Charles Severance serial killer case, in which Sheriff Casey was one of the detectives in that very, very serious matter,” Porter said. “I’ve recently tried a murder in which a Down Syndrome woman was, unfortunately stalked, sexually assaulted and murdered by a non-Down Syndrome neighbor.”
Porter is an Alexandria native and graduate of T.C. Williams High School, where is father John Porter was principal. He got a degree in political science from Virginia Commonwealth University, and then briefly served as an Alexandria Police Officer. He went to night school at the George Mason University School of Law, and was hired as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in 2001.
Both Casey and Porter will formally launch their campaigns on Sunday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. at La Casa Restaurant (4551 Duke Street).
