Numerous Alexandria elected officials have thrown their support behind Rep. Don Beyer (D-8) in his reelection bid, his campaign announced Monday (May 18).
The endorsements include Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins; Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley; City Council Members Canek Aguirre, John Chapman, Jacinta Greene, and Sandy Marks; Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter; Clerk of Court Greg Parks; Sheriff Sean Casey; School Board Chair Michelle Rief; School Board Vice Chair Christopher Harris; and School Board Members Abdulahi Abdalla, Tim Beaty, Kelly Carmichael Booz, Alexander Crider Scioscia, Donna Kenley, Ashley Simpson Baird, and Ryan Reyna. Former Mayors Bill Euille, Allison Silberberg and Justin Wilson also endorsed Beyer.
“Congressman Don Beyer has been a steadfast partner to the City of Alexandria during some of the most challenging moments facing our community,” Gaskins said in a statement. “At a time when many immigrant families have felt uncertainty and fear amid the Trump administration’s cruel immigration enforcement policies, Don has worked closely with local leaders to support and protect our diverse community and ensure Alexandria remains a welcoming place for all.”
The mayor also pointed to federal funds Beyer helped secure for the city.
“Don’s leadership has also been instrumental in securing critical federal funding to modernize sewage infrastructure, strengthen Alexandria’s flood mitigation efforts, and support the city’s long-term economic growth,” the mayor said.
Beyer, an Alexandria resident, responded to the endorsements, saying, “I look forward to continuing to work with local officials to stand up for Alexandrians in Congress, and I’m honored to have the support of such dedicated and effective local leaders as I seek re-election in Virginia’s 8th District.”
The 8th Congressional District includes all of Alexandria, Arlington County and the city of Falls Church, as well as part of Fairfax County. The Virginia Public Access Project labels the district as strong Democratic. The district’s boundaries will remain unchanged after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Virginia Supreme Court’s decision striking down the redistricting referendum.
Democratic challengers hope to unseat Beyer, 75, as he seeks his seventh term. Candidates challenging Beyer in the Aug. 4 Democratic primary election are former City Council Member Mo Seifeldein, fired State Department worker Michael Duffin and Marine and former CIA officer Adam Dunigan. Daniel Gray and Frank Ferreira have withdrawn from the race.
Republican primary candidates include veteran and federal officer Tony Sabio, teacher Heerak Christian Kim and public policy specialist Luke Nathan Phillips.
The filing deadline for U.S. House candidates is May 26 for party candidates and Aug. 4 for independent candidates. The filing deadline for other offices, including the U.S. Senate race for Sen. Mark Warner (D)’s seat, was April 2 for party candidates and is June 16 for independents. There is no Democratic primary for Warner’s seat due to a lack of challengers, but a Republican primary will be held to choose a nominee.
Early in-person voting for the Aug. 4 primary begins Friday, June 19, although local registrar offices closed for Juneteenth will begin early voting Thursday, June 18. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.
