Allison Silberberg To Run For Alexandria Mayor Again

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Former Mayor Allison Silberberg is entering the race for Alexandria Mayor in 2021.

As first reported by The Zebra and ALX Now, Silberberg turned in campaign paperwork on Wednesday. According to the city's general registrar, the deadline for declaration of candidacy, candidate petitions with 125 signatures of qualified Alexandria voters, certificate of candidate qualification, and statement of economic interests are due by 5 p.m. on March 25.

Silberberg, who was mayor from 2016 through 2018, will face off with Mayor Justin Wilson in the Democratic primary on June 8. Wilson, who served as vice mayor under Silberberg, defeated the incumbent mayor in the 2018 primary.

"As many of you know, I issued a statement in late January that I would not run for Mayor this year because I was confident at the time that other qualified candidates would be coming forward," said Silberberg in her campaign announcement. "With no challengers having materialized for the primary, many residents have been urging me to reconsider. Hearing their calls for a much-needed alternative vision for Alexandria, I've decided to enter the race."

Silberberg said her campaign is focused on keeping Alexandria's small-town feel, respect for diverse people and neighborhoods, protecting the environment, maintaining historic districts, and maintaining trust in government.

Another candidate joining the race Wednesday was Republican Annetta Catchings, a mother of two and American Airlines employee of over 30 years. She hopes to become the city's first female African American mayor. In a news release, she said community members, friends and colleagues encouraged her to run due to issues of transparency in government, increased fees and property assessments, housing affordability and education.