Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson Seeks Second Term

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson announced he is seeking a second term in 2021.

Alexandria's mayoral and City Council elections are scheduled to happen this year. Wilson had been elected in 2018 after defeating then-Mayor Allison Silberberg in the primary. Before being elected as mayor, he served eight years on the City Council including as vice mayor from 2016 to 2019.

Wilson announced his campaign with an acknowledgment that the pandemic continues to present challenges to the city's economy, health, safety and security and highlights inequities faced by minority communities.

"The health, human and economic challenges facing our City will require our best ideas and collaboration," wrote Wilson in a message to supporters. "I am proud of how we have weathered this storm, but we must now lead the recovery. With that optimism for the City’s future, I am excited to seek your support to serve a second term as your Mayor."

As mayor, Wilson represents Alexandria on the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Board of Directors. He also leads Alexandria's City-Schools Subcommittee, the ARHA Redevelopment Committee, the Quality of Life Committee, Legislative Subcommittee, the Audit Committee, the Employee Pension/Compensation Committee, the Potomac Yard Metro Implementation Advisory Group and the Combined Sewer Outfall Project Review Team Workgroup. He is a previous president of the Del Ray Citizens Association and former chair of the Alexandria Transit Company's board. In addition to his work for the City of Alexandria, Wilson is a senior director at Amtrak.

Alexandria's primary election will happen on June 8, 2021, while the general election is scheduled for Nov. 2, 2021. Two City Council members have indicated they will not run in 2021. Council Member Del Pepper, who was first elected in 1985, said she will finish her term and not seek reelection. Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker will also not run as she seeks a Virginia House of Delegates seat in the 45th District. The district is represented by Del Mark Levine (D-Alexandria), who is running for lieutenant governor.

One newcomer candidate for City Council will be Kirk McPike, who is chief of staff to Congressman Mark Takano (D-Calif.). A West End resident, McPike is also a member of Alexandria's Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee and previously served as chair of the Alexandria Economic Opportunities Commission. He received endorsements from State Sen. Adam Ebbin and School Board Member Jacinta Greene, who will be co-chairs of his campaign.

Aside from the mayoral and City Council elections, there will be elections for Alexandria School Board, governor and Virginia House of Delegates.