Republican Gerry Chandler intends to enter the April 21 race for City Council, the Alexandria Republican City Committee has announced.
Chandler is slated to run against Democrat Sandy Marks and independent candidate Frank Fannon in the upcoming special election to replace former Councilman-turned-Delegate R. Kirk McPike. Candidates have until 5 p.m. Friday to submit paperwork to the General Registrar to appear on the ballot.
ARCC Chair Chris Howell announced Chandler’s selection online after the party canceled a candidate canvassing event that would’ve taken place tomorrow (Wednesday).
“In accordance with the Official Calls of the Special Party Canvas, I am announcing the cancellation of the February 25, 2026, canvas, which was scheduled to take place at Minnie Howard,” Howell wrote. “I’d also like to announce that Gerry Chandler will be our Republican nominee for Alexandria City Council.”
ALXnow has reached out to ARCC for more information.
City Council has been occupied by Democrats since Fannon, a former Republican member of City Council, lost a 2012 reelection bid after his initial election to Council in 2009.
On the party’s website, Howell also announced ARCC’s new incoming chairwoman, Linda App.
“Linda is a longtime member of the ARCC and has held various officer positions over the last ten years,” Howell wrote.
ARCC’s first meeting of the 2026-28 term is slated for Wednesday, March 4.
