Fairfax County Board Chair Sharon Bulova Not Seeking Re-Election

FAIRFAX, VA—Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova announced Thursday she will not run for re-election in 2019.

"It has been an honor to serve the Fairfax County community," Bulova said in a statement. "During these past 30 years, I have been privileged to work alongside dedicated elected officials at every level of government, with talented, caring county staff and a county full of enthusiastic community volunteers."

Bulova, a Democrat, joined the board in 1988 as supervisor in what's now the Braddock District and held this role through 2009. She was elected as chairman in a 2009 special election after then-Chairman Gerry Connolly was elected to Congress in the 11th district. Bulova was re-elected as chairman in 2011 and 2015. During her time on the board, she helped found the Virginia Railway Express in 1988 and oversaw Metro's Silver Line phase 1 extension and transformation of Tysons.

Connolly, who worked with Bulova on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, responded to Bulova's announcement in a statement.

"As Chairman, she guided the County through the worst of the Great Recession, while still maintaining the critical investments and services that Fairfax residents have come to expect," said Connolly. "And over her years of public service, she has helped transform our community into one that is envied by all others."

The next Fairfax County Board of Supervisors election will happen on Nov. 5, 2019. According to The Washington Post, Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay, a Democrat, plans to run for chairman. Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity, a Republican, has also expressed interest.

The new board term will begin on Jan. 1, 2020.

Image via Office of Chairman Sharon Bulova