Arlington Delegates Announce Re-Election Campaigns and Community Engagement

Delegates Adele McClure, Patrick Hope, and Alfonso Lopez announced their re-election bids for the Virginia House of Delegates, citing their commitment to Arlington. The Democratic field for the School Board consists of two candidates, Monique Bryant and June Prakash. The Arlington-Alexandria-Falls Church Young Republicans elected new leadership for 2025 as election preparations intensify.

Three members of Arlington’s House of Delegates, Delegates Adele McClure (D-2), Patrick Hope (D-1), and Alfonso Lopez (D-3), have officially announced their bids for re-election. Their declaration came following the conclusion of the 2025 legislative session, made public at a meeting of the Arlington County Democratic Committee on March 5, 2023. Each delegate had been expected to seek another term, affirming their commitment to their constituencies.

During her announcement, Delegate McClure emphasized the urgency of their continued efforts, 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, asserted his experience, highlighting his history of accomplishments in Richmond: “I’ve delivered for Arlington and I know how to get things done.” Delegate Lopez echoed the importance of service, noting, “There’s nothing more rewarding than helping people. We need to create more prosperity and do it in a way where everyone wins.”

Currently, all three delegates represent seats considered Democratic strongholds, where the party nominee is expected to prevail in the general elections. At this time, there is no intra-party competition for McClure and Lopez; however, on February 5, challenger Arjoon Srikanth emerged to contest Hope’s candidacy. The deadline for Democratic candidates to file is April 3, and any contested positions will be settled in a primary on June 17.

In addition to the delegate races, Democrats are preparing for elections for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general. Kip Malinosky, former chair of the county Democrats, remarked, “We’re well-positioned to win. We need turnout, we need margin, we need to make sure we vote up and down the ballot,” underscoring the importance of voter engagement.

The Democratic field for the School Board remains at two candidates, with Monique “Moe” Bryant and June Prakash set to compete in caucus voting from April 19 to May 10, 2023. The winner will advance to represent the Democratic Party in the November 4 general election, where incumbents typically hold a strong advantage. There has not been a non-Democrat winner of the general election since 2003.

Incumbent Mary Kadera’s decision not to run for a second term has opened this seat, the only School Board position on the November ballot. Candidates intending to run in the general election have until mid-June to submit their paperwork.

The Arlington-Alexandria-Falls Church Young Republicans have elected new leadership for 2025, with Daniel Turner appointed chair. Other officers selected include Danielle Kochar as vice chair, Vikram Prasad as treasurer, Brigette Maggio as secretary, and Katelyn Stotzky as director of communications. The organization aims to strengthen their outreach efforts as the 2025 election cycle approaches, with their next meeting scheduled for March 17.

The re-election bids of Delegates McClure, Hope, and Lopez highlight a commitment to continue their work in Arlington, reinforcing the significance of Democratic leadership in the upcoming elections. With no immediate challengers for McClure and Lopez, the focus shifts to Hope, who faces opposition. The School Board race remains competitive, set against a backdrop of broader electoral activities across Virginia as both parties gear up for the forthcoming elections.

Original Source: www.arlnow.com