Meet The Candidate: James Lewis Jr. For Alexandria City Council

ALEXANDRIA, VA — James C. Lewis Jr., a former senior Congressional staffer now working in government affairs, is one of 13 candidates seeking election to the Alexandria City Council in the 2021 primary.

On June 8, a Democratic primary will be held for Alexandria mayor and City Council, along with statewide races like governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and House of Delegates. Voters will choose up to six candidates in the City Council race, determining who will be on the ballot for the November general election.

Lewis, director of policy and advocacy for Alexandria-based American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, has experience in city affairs as well. He is the vice chair of the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board and former commissioner of the Alexandria Transportation Commission, among other roles. Lewis is a 10-year Alexandria resident and lives in the West End with his fiancé, Trevor Riley.

For more information about the election in Alexandria, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Elections.

Learn more about James Lewis and why he is running for Alexandria City Council in 2021:

Age (as of Election Day)

33

Position sought

City Council

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Trevor Riley, fiancé, 33

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I'm a former senior Congressional staffer and current government affairs professional for pharmacists specializing in senior care.

Education

Master of Strategic Studies, US Army War College (2020) - Superior Graduate
BS in Biology and International Relations, College of William and Mary (2010)
Diploma, Ringgold High School (2006)

Occupation

I have more than a decade of experience in government relations, communications and advocacy. Currently, I work as the director of Policy and Advocacy for ASCP - American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, located in North Old Town.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Vice Chair, Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board
Former Commissioner, Alexandria Transportation Commission
Former Member, Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
President, Virginia Young Democrats (2017-2018)

Campaign website

www.jameslewisforcouncil.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want to engage more Alexandrians in the process so the best and brightest ideas come forward that benefit everyone.

The single most pressing issue facing our city is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Infrastructure. We need to address a host of infrastructure issues as a City including flooding, traffic congestion, overcapacity schools and a declining affordable housing stock.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I want to be the Councilmember who rolls up their sleeves and works with the community and staff to get things done.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

There is a general frustration across Alexandria that community engagement and public input are an afterthought. Decisions should be made by leveraging the lived experience of our residents.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

There was no playbook for COVID-19. I think that our local leaders did a good job. Were there hiccups, yes. Was it perfect, no, but they adapted throughout the pandemic and deserve credit for their hard work.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Increase community engagement and ensure its incorporation into plans as they advance
Flood prevention and mitigation with a focus on high-impact capacity projects
Expanding affordable homeownership opportunities, not just rentals
Using my decade-plus experience in PR to engage more Alexandrians by reaching them where they are

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

For 7.5 years, I've worked with neighbors, block-by-block, to make communities and streets safer through Alexandria. We did this by listening to people, leveraging staff expertise and making choices that benefitted the most people while always enhancing safety.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Explain your logic and thinking honestly and bluntly. Even people who don't agree with you will be willing to listen as long as they feel heard.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I don't want to be the Councilman that you hear from every 3 years. I want to be the guy that you get tired of seeing at events and meetings.