R. Kirk McPike will resign from Alexandria City Council next month as he prepares to run for the House of Delegates, he announced during a legislative meeting tonight (Tuesday).
McPike made the announcement to his colleagues virtually, due to weather conditions, and said his resignation will go into effect on Monday, Feb. 9 — one day before the special election for 5th District delegate, where he’ll run against Republican Mason Butler to succeed outgoing Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker.
McPike won a Democratic firehouse primary for the seat earlier this month.
“The people of Alexandria are giving me the opportunity to embark upon a new adventure,” McPike said.”While I’m excited about what is hopefully to come, it’s also a bittersweet moment, because moving into a new place means leaving a place that I really love, which is the City Council.”
McPike added, “I hope to have the opportunity to continue working with you, Madam Mayor, Madam Vice Mayor, and my colleagues in a different capacity.”
His resignation means there will soon be another special election in Alexandria.
So far, former Alexandria Democratic Committee Chair Sandy Marks and Del Ray Citizens Association President Tim Laderach have announced political campaigns for McPike’s soon-to-be vacant Council seat.
“Thank you for this opportunity, Alexandria,” McPike said. “It has been an honor to serve you, and I cannot wait to see what this Council, the person who replaces me, and our incredible staff do to make Alexandria’s future even brighter than its present.”
McPike was first elected in 2021 and reelected in 2024. If he wins a special election for the delegate seat, he will need to resign from his longtime day job as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), according to state law.
McPike lives in Seminary Hill with his husband and their pet beagle, Jenny.
He was met with warm congratulations from his colleagues. Mayor Alyia Gaskins presented him with a city proclamation, listing his contributions to Council, including the introduction of budget amendments to increase tax relief for seniors and increase pay for first responders.
She credited McPike with helping Council pass zoning updates to protect reproductive health clinics, supporting efforts to increase the city’s housing supply, and leading efforts to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with the installation of rainbow crosswalks.
“We are the team and the impactful Council that we’ve been able to be because you have been a part of it,” Gaskins said. “I know you said you’re going for parts unknown, but I think we know where you’re going. We know how to find you, and you won’t be able to stop working with us.”
