Tim Laderach, president of the Del Ray Citizens Association, launched a campaign for Alexandria City Council over the weekend.
Laderach, an attorney, pharmacist, U.S. Navy reservist and chair of the Alexandria Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC), is hoping to fill a potential City Council vacancy as Councilman R. Kirk McPike runs for 5th District Delegate. Laderach told ALXnow, “I know what I’m getting myself into, and I’m ready for the moment.”
“This is what I’ve been preparing for,” Laderach said. “This is what my experience has brought me to. It just felt like this is the opportunity for me to put my voice out there and to be that person that can step up and hit the ground running on day one with my experience.”
His campaign platform is balanced on three pillars — economic mobility, community resilience and inclusivity. On economic mobility, Laderach said the city needs to build more housing.
“My campaign is about recognizing the power that local government has to bring hope, and the difference that neighbors helping neighbors can make in everyday lives,” Laderach said.
So far, only Laderach and Sandy Marks, the former chair of the Alexandria Democratic Committee, have announced campaigns McPike’s City Council seat. The date of the Democratic primary has not been set and is dependent on the outcome of the Feb. 10 special election between McPike and Republican nominee Mason Butler.
“I understand that I’m a new political face,” Laderach said. “I feel like my record is strong in terms of people understanding that I have a heart for service, and that I’ve dedicated my time here in Alexandria to giving back.”
Laderach is a native of Oak Harbor, Ohio, a small village east of Toledo, and has lived in Del Ray with his wife, Elissa, for nine years. He has a bachelor’s degree and doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of Toledo, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida, and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
Laderach joined the U.S. Navy while at the University of Toledo and is in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
He joined the EOC in 2023, and was elected secretary within a few months. The EOC identifies community needs for underserved residents and advises City Council, the state legislature and congressional delegation.
In 2024, he was named chair of the commission — the same year he was reelected as president of the DRCA. He previously led the organization from 2021-22.
While Laderach has a full-time job, he says that he plans on getting the word out about his campaign with door-knocking, hosting meet-and-greets, reaching out to small business owners and having round table discussions.
Laderach said planning for his campaign kickoff is underway.
