Arlington Delegates Announce Re-Election Bids Amid Upcoming Primaries

Three Arlington House Delegates, Adele McClure, Patrick Hope, and Alfonso Lopez, have formally announced their re-election bids after the recent legislative session, focusing on their experience and commitment to the community. They are running in Democratic strongholds, with a primary election upcoming. Additionally, the School Board candidates and Young Republicans’ new leadership indicate a vibrant political atmosphere leading to the upcoming elections.

Last week, three members of Arlington’s delegation to the House of Delegates officially announced their bids for re-election. Delegates Adele McClure (D-2), Patrick Hope (D-1), and Alfonso Lopez (D-3) had previously been anticipated to run for new terms after the conclusion of the 2025 legislative session, revealing their intentions during a monthly meeting of the Arlington County Democratic Committee on March 5.

During the announcement at the Lubber Run Community Center, Delegate McClure expressed urgency in her remarks, stating, “There is still so much to do, especially now. Every person in this room knows exactly what we are up against.” Meanwhile, Delegate Hope, the senior member of the delegation, emphasized his credentials, saying, “I’ve delivered for Arlington and I know how to get things done,” as he commenced his candidacy for a ninth two-year term.

Delegate Lopez articulated his advocacy for Arlington’s values, remarking, “There’s nothing more rewarding than helping people. We need to create more prosperity and do it in a way where everyone wins.” Given that all three delegates represent solid Democratic districts, the nominees are expected to secure their positions in the general election.

Currently, there is no intra-party rivalry for McClure and Lopez, although Delegate Hope faces a challenge from Arjoon Srikanth, who initiated his campaign on February 5. The deadline for Democratic candidates to file with the party is set for April 3, 2025, with the primary elections scheduled for June 17.

Additionally, there are no Virginia Senate races on the ballot until 2027. The Democratic Party holds narrow majorities in both legislative chambers, contending for various state offices, including governor and attorney general. Kip Malinosky, a former county Democratic chair, underscored the need for strong turnout stating, “We’re well-positioned to win. We need turnout, we need margin, we need to make sure we vote up and down the ballot.”

In the context of the School Board elections, the Democratic field consists of two candidates, Monique “Moe” Bryant and June Prakash, following the February 28 filing deadline. Both candidates announced their intentions at the February 5 meeting and will compete in the caucus voting from April 19 to May 10. The victor will proceed to the general election on November 4.

The incumbent, Mary Kadera, has chosen not to run for a second term, leaving her seat as the only one on the November ballot. In Virginia, school board positions are categorized as nonpartisan, and candidates must submit their paperwork by mid-June to enter the general election.

Furthermore, the Arlington-Alexandria-Falls Church Young Republicans elected new leadership for 2025. Daniel Turner will chair the group, with Danielle Kochar as vice chair, Vikram Prasad as treasurer, Brigette Maggio as secretary, and Katelyn Stotzky serving as the director of communications. GOP leaders expressed confidence in their newly elected youth leaders, noting, “These YR leaders will continue their efforts to organize Young Republicans across the area to help boost our efforts through the 2025 election cycle.” Their next meeting is scheduled for March 17.

The article outlines the re-election bids of three Arlington delegates, their aspirations, and the dynamics of the local political landscape. With the Democratic primaries upcoming and the recent developments in the School Board candidacy, Arlington’s political scene is poised for intense activity prior to the November general elections. The engagement of the Young Republicans adds another layer to the electoral environment as campaigning efforts ramp up in anticipation of the 2025 elections.

Original Source: www.arlnow.com