candidate essay

Carlos “DC” De Castro Pretelt: Why you should vote for me

By Opinion Contributor

We recently invited the candidates running for local office in the Nov. 4 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.

Below is the unedited response from Carlos “DC” De Castro Pretelt, who is running for County Board.

Competition is the cornerstone of America. We see it in sports, in school, and at work. It is a critical component of a well-functioning society because it encourages members to collaborate and advance through the creation and implementation of new ideas. Competition enables a marketplace of ideas.

The current state of politics is the oppositive of this. Over the last few decades, the incentives in our electoral system have brought forth a specific type of candidate. One that relies on fear and outrage to continually discourage citizens from communicating and collaborating with each other. Over time, this lack of communication has forced politicians to adopt more extreme positions to win their elections.

I am running for office because I am tired of this nonsense. I refuse to continue being a bystander while political discourse deteriorates, with increasingly tragic results. I understand that as an independent the deck is firmly stacked against me, as I do not have the financial resources of either party. I am fine with that. I like competition and I have been immersed in it since I came to this country over 25 years ago.

Over the past few years, I’ve been an advocate with grass roots organizations promoting Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). RCV has been heralded as one of the best ways to increase participation by independents and smaller parties in the political process, increasing competition and a new marketplace of ideas. This November, Arlington County will be using Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) during the general election. Promoting RCV and seeing it implemented is part of what drew me to campaign.

Beyond politics, I want to make Arlington very competitive. I want it to be more than merely a suburb for those who work in DC. I want Arlington to have its own unique, exceptional economic engine, resilient to the whims of the federal government. I want Arlington to be known as a one-of-a-kind destination in the US. A city known for its highly-educated, health-focused, enterprising population and indomitable spirit.

As your elected representative, I promise you all my efforts will go towards ensuring this vision comes true. Our exceptional community is what makes us strong. In these very challenging times, it is time to embrace a new style of politics, one that seeks to understand our differences rather than exploit them. A politics focused on answering all the needs of our diverse community. I think it’s time.

“Nothing else in the world…not all the armies…is so powerful as an idea whose time has come”

Jeramy Olmack: Why you should vote for me

By Opinion Contributor

We recently invited the candidates running for local office in the Nov. 4 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.

Below is the unedited response from Jeramy L. Olmack, who is running for County Board.

Our government should prioritize the needs and voices of people— not profits, not political parties, and not the pursuit of power. For too long, we have seen communities forced to choose between the lesser of two evils, but that era is over. It is time to step forward and embody the kind of politician we want to see, one who truly serves the community and places the public good above all else.

Far too often, the interests of the many are overlooked in favor of the privileged few, and the resulting policies benefit corporations and powerful individuals rather than the everyday citizens and local businesses who make up the fabric of our neighborhoods. For decades, oligarchs and totalitarians have manipulated party lines to advance their own agendas, discrediting anyone who does not conform. Political parties have always been vehicles for the ambitions of a select group, prioritizing control and narrative over genuine service. This has created an environment where innovative ideas are stifled, dissenting voices are marginalized, and the needs of our diverse communities are neglected.

I have witnessed my own community being ignored, assimilated, and abused to further someone else’s ambitions. This cycle of exploitation breeds cynicism, frustration, and a sense of powerlessness among voters. People are tired of being told that their only choices are between two sides of the same coin, and they are weary of seeing their voices drowned out by political theater and empty promises. The frustration with the current political system is clear, and it is felt by residents from all walks of life—young and old, long-time locals and newcomers alike.

That is why I am standing as an independent candidate for Arlington County Board. I am no longer willing to let empty rhetoric determine our future or to allow the same recycled ideas to continue shaping our destiny. We need politicians who are driven by goodness, integrity, and a true commitment to public service— not party loyalty or personal gain. We need good people to rise up— not to be perfect politicians, but to be politicians who genuinely care, who are willing to listen, and who are unafraid to challenge the status quo for the benefit of the people they represent.

It is essential for politicians to fight against regressive policies that undermine democracy and erode civil rights. We cannot afford to stand by as hard-won rights are chipped away or as discriminatory practices are allowed to persist. If elected, I will use my role on the Arlington County Board to advance policies that strengthen democratic principles, empower individuals, and promote cultural acceptance. This means working to ensure that every resident has a voice in local decision-making, that our policies reflect the diversity of our community, and that we foster an environment of inclusion and respect.

My goal is to see the world as it truly is, not as it is portrayed through partisan lenses or filtered by special interests. I believe that by acknowledging our reality, we can build a better future for everyone in Arlington County, Turtle Island, and beyond. Ranking me #1 on your ballot means that service on the county board is just the beginning of our work toward positive change. Together we can set a new example for what a good government should be—democratic, representative, responsive, transparent, and truly accountable to the people.

Bob Cambridge: Why you should vote for me

By Opinion Contributor

We recently invited the candidates running for local office in the Nov. 4 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.

Below is the unedited response from Bob Cambridge, who is running for County Board.

I am Bob Cambridge, a resident of Arlington since 1982. I ran as the Republican candidate for County Board in July of 2020 and got hammered. So why am I running again? While running I met a lot of good people and running is an opportunity to get viewpoints out there and to learn from others.

I am motivated by several current issues. For example, female sports leagues were formed to provide opportunities to biological females who, as a group, otherwise would be at a severe disadvantage in competition with males who, as a group, tend to be faster, taller, heavier, stronger, and have a longer reach. Females do well versus males when the challenge is intellectual rather than physical, so I am not aware that there is a female chess league. Allowing males to intrude in female leagues takes away from biological females opportunities created specifically for them. LGBTQ+ students should not be bullied or denigrated, but accommodating their wishes by disregarding the interests of all other students is a step too far and is neither fair nor safe.

I am also concerned that Arlington is becoming unaffordable. I note that taxes and the tax portion of rent – the dollars out of my pocket – have increased every year 1982 to 2025 with only two exceptions when the tax dollars due stayed the same as the amount due the prior year. Arlington is in a favorable location and is a great place to live, but I believe and am concerned that there is an additional reason for the high taxes.

Most years there are bond questions on our ballots. Arlington has been issuing bonds for many years, generally for stated purposes – Metro, schools, parks, roads, and so on – that I am inclined to support. Arlington County publishes every year a Comprehensive Financial Report. That is something they must do if they want to sell bonds. The 2025 report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, has not been made public yet. I am an attorney, not an accountant, but I read the 2024 report. I found on page 274 of the 371-page 2024 report a stunning fact. EVERY YEAR 2015 TO 2024 ARLINGTON COUNTY SPENT MORE MONEY THAN IT RECEIVED IN REVENUE! I looked in the 2014 report, page 169, and found that EVERY YEAR 2006 TO 2024 ARLINGTON COUNTY SPENT MORE MONEY THAN IT RECEIVED IN REVENUE! How can you do that? You can issue bonds (incur more debt) to pay off debt service (principal, interest, and middleman fees) due on previously sold bonds. Isn’t that a Ponzi scheme? Apparently not. The arrangement is legal as long as the annual reports do not conceal the Ponzi- like practice.

Arlington’s debt service has been a larger and larger number since 2015. See page 289 of the 2024 Report. Debt service has been a larger and larger number since 2006. See page 185 of the 2014 Report. Debt service has been a larger and larger number since 1997. See page 172 of the 2006 Report. In 2024 $174 million of our taxes went right back out the door to cover debt service. See the 2024 Report, page 289. In a Ponzi scheme, debt goes up and up until it is not sustainable. Can what happened to Stockton, California happen to Arlington? Google Stockton California bankruptcy.

We have apparently been kicking Arlington’s debt problem down the road at least since 1997. At some point that has to stop and the sooner we address Arlington’s debt the better. I ask anyone who reads this writeup to do three things. (1) Do not believe me, an attorney and, worse, a politician. Check out for yourself the information cited. (2) Question my assessment and if you find out I am wrong, please tell me. I would be grateful. I have to live here too. (3) If my assessment is not wrong, please tell your neighbors and friends and ask them to tell their neighbors and friends. This problem cannot be ignored indefinitely. You may note that addressing Arlington’s growing debt preempted my asking you to vote for me. Resolving Arlington’s debt problem is more important than any particular candidate winning the election. That is a concern that I believe must be made public, and that is why I am running.

Please email me at [email protected] with your comments and viewpoints. The reports cited above can be found on Arlington County’s web site at https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/DMF/Arlington-County-
Accounting-Reporting-and-Control.

James ‘Vell’ Rives IV: Why you should vote for me

By Opinion Contributor

We recently invited the candidates running for local office in the Nov. 4 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.

Below is the unedited response from James “Vell” Rives IV, who is running for School Board.

I have lived in Arlington 26 years. My wife Carmen and I are parents of a Wakefield High School graduate and a Wakefield freshman.

I am not a Republican. I have never voted for Donald Trump. I am not a Democrat, but I care about Democratic values, like transparency and accountability from our leaders, and protecting civil rights for everyone, including women and girls.

Too often our School Board, the School Board caucus, and their endorsee, my opponent Monique “Moe” Bryant, have lost sight of these core values. I’m running for School Board because we need somebody to stand up for girls and to get our focus back on education.

Our graduates have to be prepared for real-world jobs or college. I want to see all Arlington students making measurable gains, outpacing their peers in Virginia and other leading states.

I don’t disagree with the School Board on everything. But every board needs one outside voice – someone who will ask the hard questions and ensure that different ideas are truly considered. That’s essential to transparency, and that’s how I will build trust and strengthen our schools.

We have to stabilize our budget. If I’m elected, I won’t be stingy, but I will be smart, insisting that we spend where it matters most – on instruction. That’s classroom teachers and the materials they need to succeed, not bureaucracy or pet projects. We spend more per pupil than any other Virginia county or D.C., and we deserve to get our money’s worth.

We need to bring our School Resource Officers back. Drug use in our schools has surged since their removal. Arlington had an exemplary SRO program viewed favorably by every demographic group, including Black and Hispanic students and their parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GgXvitG82/ Every day that goes by without our SRO’s, our kids are more vulnerable to the kinds of tragedies we’ve seen elsewhere.

About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.): Diversity is a good thing, but our School Board lacks diversity of thought. Equity is a good thing, but we should not turn equity into rigid uniformity or lower academic standards. And inclusion is a good thing, but inclusion goes too far when it means boys and girls in the same locker room. I support Arlington’s 2017 nondiscrimination policy. At the same time, Federal Civil Rights law guarantees exclusive sports teams and facilities for girls. We should amend our local policy to clarify this.

As a physician with over 20 years’ experience practicing adolescent and adult psychiatry, I know there is a lot of distress and suffering over gender issues. I believe we can find solutions that respect and serve everyone.

I may not be from the School Board caucus, but I am not a stranger: I am serving my 7th year on Arlington’s School Health Advisory Board (as Co-Chair 2021-22), and I know Bethany, Miranda, Kathleen, and Zuraya, the continuing School Board members. I would be honored to work alongside them. I am the candidate who would complement their strengths and make a more effective Board. I hope you can see that too, and I respectfully ask that you vote for me, James Vell Rives IV, for Arlington School Board. Thank you.

My website includes information in Amharic, Arabic, Mongolian, and Spanish:

https://www.rives4sb.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rives4sb

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080615153852

Hay información en español en mi sitio de web:

https://www.rivesforsb.com/espanol

Adicionalmente, tengo un vídeo breve en español:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moqkI7vxsFA

Monique “Moe” Bryant: Why you should vote for me

By Opinion Contributor

We recently invited the candidates running for local office in the Nov. 4 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.

Below is the unedited response from Monique “Moe” Bryant, who is running for School Board.

Fellow Arlingtonians –

I am honored to be a candidate for Arlington School Board, endorsed by many community leaders as well as the Arlington Democrats. I ask for your support and vote on or before Tuesday, November 4th.

Serving children and families is a critical responsibility, and it’s not one I take lightly. I believe it takes grace, advocacy for all, and a willingness to truly listen to make a lasting impact.

Our community needs a leader for Arlington Public Schools whose core values are grounded in empathy, engagement, and excellence. As an APS parent and community leader, I’ve seen what happens when we listen deeply, build trust, and work together toward our shared goal: ensuring that every student, educator, staff member, and family feels valued and empowered.

Our community is strong, but we face real challenges. Teachers and staff are stretched thin. Families are navigating competing demands and communication gaps. Students are balancing academics with the social and emotional pressures of growing up in a complex world. These challenges are connected; and they deserve a School Board that leads with transparency and accountability, with both practical experience and vision for our schools.

Like so many Arlingtonians here, I see our schools as the heart of our community. Our schools are where friendships form, where teachers shape futures, and where we come together around a shared belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive. I’m running because I want to make that promise real for every APS student, educator, and staff member.

As a mom of one APS special education graduate and a current APS middle school student, and as a school volunteer, school bond campaign co-chair, and community non-profit volunteer-turned-leader, I understand our school system and the importance of a community that supports it. Over the years, I’ve worked in both the private and the nonprofit sector — as a leader, advisor, and advocate. Those experiences have taught me that systems thrive when people feel seen, heard, and supported. I want to bring that same people-centered approach to APS.

If elected, I will focus on three priorities that reflect what I’ve heard from our community:

Empathy

Every student deserves to feel valued. Empathy is not a soft skill; it is the foundation for academic and emotional growth. When students are met with understanding, they are more likely to stay engaged, persevere through challenges, and reach their potential.

As a community, we must continue to support the whole child; academically, socially, and emotionally, to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. This means recognizing that recovery from the pandemic continues, and many students still need stability, encouragement, and connection. Our schools should be places where belonging is nurtured and every learner knows they matter. APS can operate with empathy by:

  • Collaborating with community leaders and partners,
  • Supporting our students’ and staff’s social-emotional well-being, and
  • Protecting our values in uncertain times.

Engagement

True engagement begins with listening. When families, staff, and students are invited to shape decisions from the start, outcomes are stronger and trust deepens. APS has several valuable tools for engagement from the Your Voice Matters survey to open office hours and community dialogues, but often these come too late in the process.

We can do better by creating opportunities for authentic, early participation that values every perspective. Engagement should not be a one-way information campaign but a shared process of building understanding and direction together.

My priorities for better engagement include:

  • Increasing access so all can participate meaningfully, and
  • Strengthening communication to ensure clear, timely, and equitable information.

Excellence

Our commitment to excellence requires investment in both innovation and equity. That means expanding early learning opportunities, advancing inclusive classrooms, and ensuring our educators are valued and competitively compensated. It also means thinking creatively about how to sustain excellence through fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship.

We will achieve excellence by:

  • Expanding Pre-K access so all children can begin from a place of strength,
  • Positioning APS as a regional leader in teacher and staff pay,
  • Delivering a high-quality education that builds the next generation of leaders, and
  • Stabilizing our school budget through creative, community-informed solutions.

When we lead with empathy, deepen engagement, and pursue excellence with equity at the center, we build schools that truly serve every child. Together, we can ensure APS remains a place where all students, staff and families have the opportunity to thrive.

I would be honored to earn your vote in this election. Visit www.moeforschoolboard.com to learn more about my vision and how you can get involved.

Thank you for your consideration and the trust you place in our community’s future.

Adele McClure: Why you should vote for me

By Opinion Contributor

We recently invited the candidates running for local office in the Nov. 4 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.

Below is the unedited response from Adele McClure, who is running for House of Delegates – 2nd District as a Democrat.

It has been an honor to represent Arlington in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2024, and I’m excited to run for a second term to continue building on the progress we’ve made together.

During my first term, I had the highest bill passage rate in the House of Delegates and worked with advocates, community leaders, and residents to pass meaningful legislation that breaks down barriers, expands human rights, and improves access to critical services across Virginia.

I’ve been responsive to both immediate and long-term needs, from addressing the chaos out of Washington that has harmed Virginia’s federal workforce to advancing solutions for affordable housing. I’ve championed policies to expand multi-family housing, strengthen tenants’ rights, and increase funding for essential services, including eviction prevention programs.

I’ve stood firm in defending reproductive freedom and proudly co-patroned the constitutional amendment to safeguard those rights. I’m committed to protecting civil rights and expanding statewide protections for all Virginians.

Education also remains a top priority. I’m fighting to fully fund our schools, raise teacher pay, and ensure students have access to the wrap-around services they need to succeed. I’ve also advanced legislation to protect consumers from hidden “junk” fees, requiring transparent pricing and ending deceptive practices.

I’ve also made it a priority to address the rising cost of childcare. I will reintroduce my bill to create the Employee Child Care Assistance Pilot Program, which incentivizes employers to help cover childcare expenses for their workers through matching state funds. This critical initiative will make childcare more affordable in communities like Arlington, where childcare costs are the highest in the nation. In the last session, I successfully secured $25 million for the new program before Governor Youngkin vetoed the funding in our budget. I remain committed to bringing it back next year.

Gun violence prevention is a critical priority for my constituents and me. As a member of the House Firearms Subcommittee, I voted to block dangerous Republican bills and carried legislation to promote gun safety, including requiring firearm locking devices and closing the “dating partner loophole” to prevent those convicted of assault and battery against an intimate partner from accessing firearms.

Finally, with transportation being such a critical concern for so many Arlington residents, I am proud to serve on the Transportation Committee. Last session, I carried and passed legislation curbing predatory towing practices. My bill, driven by feedback and concerns from my constituents, empowers our community to hold bad actors accountable. I’m appointed by the Speaker to serve on the Northern Virginia Growing Needs of Public Transit Joint Subcommittee where we are working hard to identify revenue streams for dedicated transit funding.

My work has been driven by the voices of residents, families, business owners, and community advocates—and that will never change. I’m honored to have been recognized nationally with the 2025 EMILYs List Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award, the first Virginian ever to receive it. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, but there’s more to do. I look forward to earning your vote and continuing our work to move Arlington and the Commonwealth of Virginia forward.

Patrick Hope: Why you should vote for me

By Opinion Contributor

We recently invited the candidates running for local office in the Nov. 4 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.

Below is the unedited response from Del. Patrick Hope, who is running for House of Delegates – 1st District as a Democrat.

It has been a privilege to represent Arlington as your Delegate since 2010, and I am deeply honored by the trust you have placed in me throughout the years. It would be an honor to continue to serve the people of the Arlington community.

My wife Kristen and I moved to the Buckingham neighborhood in 2000 and have enjoyed raising our family in Arlington. All three of our kids attended Arlington Public Schools, from Barrett Elementary School, to Kenmore and Swanson Middle Schools, and Washington-Liberty High School. Our family loves Arlington and our entire community, from our schools to our parks, but most importantly the values we all cherish and share as Arlingtonians.

As Delegate, I am committed to advocating for the rights and needs of all my constituents, and I am proud of the ways I’ve delivered on that commitment. During my time in the Virginia House of Delegates, I have passed 115 bills into law – delivering real results for Arlingtonians. As chairman of the House Courts of Justice Committee, a senior member of the House Health & Human Resources Committee and the House Public Safety Committee, I have led efforts to protect and expand access to healthcare, prevent gun violence, maintain and advance civil rights, reform our criminal justice system, and protect reproductive freedom.

Virginia Democrats have been fighting to preserve our core democratic values, and one of the ways we can ensure the continued protection of the rights of all Virginians is through passage of three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution: codifying Roe v. Wade abortion protections, removing the state ban on same sex marriage, and adding the automatic restoration of voting rights to individuals after they have served their time in prison. In order for these proposed amendments to get to the voters for a referendum, it is crucial we retain our Democratic majority in the House of Delegates.

If re-elected, my top legislative priorities will be to: 1) pass gun safety legislation to enhance background checks for all firearm purchases; 2) pass legislation to update Arlington’s County Manager Plan of Government, allowing for the popular election of a Board chair, allowing for the expansion of the size of the Board, and allowing for districts, at-large, or hybrid – all powers other localities already have; and 3) ensuring all Virginians have continued access to life-saving vaccines.

In conclusion, I believe it is our duty to shape a more just and inclusive society. Government has a responsibility to protect and care for those most in-need, and as long as I represent the people of Arlington, I will continue to make good on this belief. I will never stop working to ensure that our government fulfills its promise of care, justice, and opportunity for all.

As your Delegate, I am proud of the progress we’ve made over the years. I hope to earn your vote on or before Tuesday, November 4th, and grant me the privilege of being your voice in Richmond. For more information or to contact my office, please visit my website at www.HopeforVirginia.org or iwillvote.com to find your polling place.

David Henshaw: Why you should vote for me

By Opinion Contributor
David Henshaw (courtesy David Henshaw)

This week, we invited the candidates running in competitive races in the Nov. 7 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.

Below is the unedited response from David Henshaw, who is running for the 40th Virginia State Senate District as a Republican. His opponent, Democratic incumbent Barbara Favola, did not submit an essay. 

My name is David Henshaw. I’m a Christian, husband, and father of two girls. I was privileged to serve our country as an Air Force pilot for over 24 years, and I remain passionate about fighting for our individual freedom and liberty. If elected to the State Senate, I promise to serve our community and ensure Arlington remains a great place to live.

My top priority is to protect the sanctity of the family by expanding the law to protect parent’s rights in our public schools. I believe parents know what is best for their children and should be at the head of the table. My opponent, Senator Favola, voted to allow students to hide gender dysphoria from their parents and against requiring parental review of sexually explicit material. Notification is required to go on a field trip or provide an aspirin — shouldn’t parents be notified about a major issue like dysphoria?

I also disagree with Senator Favola on whether male students should compete in female sports and use female locker rooms. While we should show compassion and protect transgender students from bullying and harassment, we need to do it in a way that is fair and safe. Males should not compete against girls — it’s not fair; and they should not use female locker rooms — it’s not safe.

Our schools were one of the last in the country to re-open after COVID, driving a tangible loss of learning that is reflected in the lowest 4th and 8th grade math and reading scores in over 20 years. I would provide parents a choice in their children’s education by offering Education Savings Accounts that enable them to use a portion of their tax money to invest in non-public options. I would also fund at least one school in each district with a year-round option, and expand the number of charter schools.

I support free-market policies while my opponent is for bigger government and higher taxes, despite inflation that is out of control and outpacing wage growth. Arlingtonians are tired of high gas prices and grocery bills that are up 27% since 2020. I would lower the corporate tax rate, lower the personal tax rates, and remove excessive regulation. I’d also tie the tax brackets to inflation — they haven’t changed since 1990 — and add brackets to ease the burden on the lower and middle class.

I’d also repeal both the Clean Car law and the Clean Economy Act. Both hurt the lower and middle class while providing miniscule benefit to the environment. Studies indicate that electric cars cost approximately $10,000 more than gas cars, and energy costs will increase $800/month for the average family under these laws.

Crime is up in Arlington every year since the 2020 “Defund the Police” campaign and legislation that my opponent supported. Several Arlingtonians tell me they no longer feel safe to walk alone in their neighborhoods. Crime was up 18% in the latest 2022 report, and the Arlington police chief indicated he’s short 100 law enforcement officers. We must recruit and hire more law enforcement heroes and fully fund our departments.

My goal was to present you with a clear distinction between my policy positions and those of my opponent. I hope you find my views commonsense and pragmatic, and respectfully request your vote on Nov 7th. Together we can make Virginia a beacon of success for the entire country and a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Sincerely,
David Henshaw (R)

Adam Ebbin: Why you should vote for me

By Opinion Contributor
Senator Adam Ebbin (courtesy photo)

This week, we invited the candidates running in competitive races in the Nov. 7 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.

Below is the unedited response from Adam Ebbin, who is running for the 39th Virginia State Senate District as a Democrat. 

Dear Neighbor,

I have represented portions of Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax in the Virginia Senate since 2011, and for eight years in the House of Delegates before that. With the coming unprecedented turnover in the General Assembly as a result of retirements and redistricting, I look forward to continuing my service as an experienced progressive leader for Northern Virginia.

Democrats have made important progress. We need to protect it. We made the largest investment in affordable housing in Virginia history, expanded Medicaid to cover more than 700,000 Virginians, gave raises to our educators and first responders, and we took historic action to reduce the damage of climate change. I passed bills that first decriminalized – then legalized – cannabis, banned guns in state buildings, and banned discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

But Governor Youngkin and his fellow Republicans are trying to drag us backwards. They want to repeal the RGGI tax on corporate polluters, repeal criminal justice reforms, gun safety laws, and LGBTQ+ protections, and limit reproductive freedom in Virginia. The Democratic Virginia Senate Majority has defended that progress: we’ve fought Republican efforts to reduce education spending, we’ve blocked Republican bills that would weaken the right to vote, and we have been the Blue Brick Wall protecting the last bastion of reproductive freedom in the Southeast.
That’s why you need to vote. Early voting ends on Saturday, November 4 th . Election Day is Tuesday, November 7 th .

With Governor Younkgin in office until January 2026, there are many things we Democrats can do to keep making progress – not just playing defense. We can protect reproductive freedom in Virginia’s Constitution, and finally repeal the ban on marriage equality that was added to the state constitution in 2006. The General Assembly can approve these constitutional amendments, and send them to the people for their approval without the interference of Governor Youngkin.

But doing that starts with electing a Democratic majority in 2023.

We have critical fights ahead to protect Virginia’s public education and health care systems, as well as our AAA bond rating. I stood strong with my colleagues on the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee this year against Youngkin’s reckless permanent tax cuts for the wealthiest corporations and individuals. Instead, we succeeded in forcing Republicans to invest more in public education and mental health – investments that would be unaffordable with Youngkin’s new permanent tax cuts.

Thank you for the honor of representing you in the State Senate. I’m asking that you again entrust me with your vote, so I can keep delivering results and protecting the progress we’ve made from extremists trying to take Virginia backwards.

I’ve worked hard to get results for our community’s progressive values, including protecting access to reproductive health care, safeguarding tenants from unlawful evictions, investing in our schools, banning guns from state buildings, and passing protections for LGBTQ+ Virginians. But there’s more work to do, and I’m up for the fight.

With your support, I’ll never stop fighting for you.

Adam P. Ebbin
Member, Senate of Virginia
Running to Represent the 39 th Senate District

Sophia Moshasha: Why you should vote for me

By Opinion Contributor
Sophia Moshasha (via Sophia 4 VA)

This week, we invited the candidates running in competitive races in the Nov. 7 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.

Below is the unedited response from Sophia Moshasha, who is running for the 39th Virginia State Senate District as a Republican.

As a Virginia native, and having been a proud resident of District 39 for many years, I am deeply committed to the well-being of our community. My background in technology has given me a unique perspective on how to tackle our current economic challenges and pave the way for future success. I am dedicated to utilizing this experience to drive meaningful change and ensure that our district not only thrives but remains a model of inclusive and responsive governance.

With a firm belief in the power of collaboration, I aim to bridge the gap between our community and our government, ensuring that every voice is not only heard but also considered in the decision-making process. I strongly believe in utilizing technology to make civic engagement easier and more accessible for all residents. By embracing innovative tools and methods, I am determined to create a more transparent and inclusive political environment for our district where all opinions are welcomed. My endorsement by the bi-partisan Forward Party speaks to my commitment to collaboration, as well as my more moderate platform that would better represent all of District 39’s diverse constituents.

As someone who deeply values family and community, I am troubled by the lack of representation and comprehensive solutions that truly address our district’s needs. My opponent has been in office for almost two decades, yet there remains a disconnect between the priorities of the constituents and the decisions being made. It is time for a fresh perspective, one that not only advocates for change but also delivers tangible results for every member of our community. My platform includes respect for parents’ inclusion in matters regarding their children’s health, well-being and education, and a moderate view supporting women’s right to decide on pregnancy termination within reasonable timeframes, subject to certain exceptions relating. Unfortunately, my opponent doesn’t exhibit compassion or moderacy and supports abortion until the moment of birth.

Drawing from my experiences, I promise to prioritize three crucial areas: education, economy, and community safety. I am dedicated to amplifying our educational system by ensuring adequate resources for our schools and promoting programs that prepare our students for the demands of the future. Additionally, I will work tirelessly to create a business-friendly environment that attracts investments and opportunities to our district while empowering our workforce through robust development and employment initiatives. My platform includes keeping our business-friendly Right-to-Work laws in order to keep and attract jobs for Virginia residents.

My endorsement by the Motorist Coalition speaks to my commitment to make commuting more affordable in Northern Virginia by eliminating the car tax, lowering tolls and stopping predatory ticketing and towing.

Please take a moment to read my platform about my goals to help our community live the quality life they deserve! I thank everyone for their continued support and hope to have your vote for a representative who truly cares about the opinions and needs of all residents in District 39!

Juan Carlos Fierro: Why you should vote for me

By Opinion Contributor
Republican candidate for County Board Juan Carlos Fierro (staff photo by James Jarvis)

This week, we invited the candidates running in competitive races in the Nov. 7 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.

Below is the unedited response from Juan Carlos Fierro, who is running for the Arlington County Board as a Republican.

My name is Juan Carlos Fierro. I’m a husband, a father, a 26-year resident of Arlington, and a proud American. I am running for Arlington County Board because I care about our community, and I believe voters deserve a choice in this election.

I was born in Ecuador and raised by my grandparents before moving to Northern Virginia. I earned my undergraduate degree at George Mason University where I also played Division I basketball. For the last 25 years, I have worked as an entrepreneur and financial advisor — to help my clients achieve their American Dream. And in 2000, I proudly became an American citizen. I married my wife Inmaculada in 2005. We have three daughters — Carolina, Isabel Teresa, and Rebecca — and an adorable Shih Tzu named Olivia.

Through my church and community service projects I am deeply aware of the need to help Arlingtonians who are not blessed with stable homes, and resources to provide food for their families. The issues in this election are non-partisan issues that affect the community: Affordable housing, the rising crime rates, and the pending tax increases because of the failure to address the consequences of densification initiatives. These issues cut across party lines. Regardless of political affiliation, many are disenchanted and disappointed with the political status quo in our community given how the existing board does not truly value public engagement.

On ‘Missing Middle,’ our elected leaders ignored the will of a majority of Arlingtonians by ramrodding a densification initiative that jeopardizes Affordable Housing, and puts excess strain on our existing infrastructure, If elected, I will challenge staff policy proposals that call for more densification that does not adequately reflect the impact of proposed developments and causes land prices to increase with negative impacts on Hispanic and other minority communities.

On the issue of crime and community safety, our elected leaders don’t seem to care. I support common sense, data-driven policies to address the increase in violent crime and property crime across Arlington. I support fully investing in the Arlington County Police Department’s effort to recruit and retain qualified, professional staff, including incentives for incoming officers and retention incentives to keep veteran staff on the force.

Many of our crime problems stem from mental health issues in a post COVD environment. I will fight for the provision of mental health services as part of efforts to reduce the crime rates.

When it comes to the “Arlington Way” –a process our elected leaders claim to support but disregard when it’s politically convenient — I will fight to ensure everyone has a voice in local government. If elected, I will be a voice for the tens of thousands of you — irrespective of party affiliation — who are ignored and dismissed by our political leaders.

And on fiscal matters, I promise to roll up my sleeves and dig into the county budget, prioritizing necessary county services while questioning waste and unnecessary expenses. Unless something is done quickly, homeowners will be hit with a rate hike — costing Arlington families hundreds more dollars each year as recently admitted by retiring Board Chair Christian Dorsey.

Single-party rule benefits only a select few in our community. Tens of thousands of Democrats, independents, and Republicans are left out of the process and disregarded by the current members of the County Board.

Regardless of your party affiliation, my door will be open to you as we seek to make Arlington a better place. It would be an honor to channel my dedication to community service on the County Board, and I am personally asking you for your consideration and your vote.

Sincerely,

Juan Carlos Fierro

Read more at www.votefierro.com

View More Stories