Key Takeaways
- The 17th House of Delegates District in Fairfax County, Virginia, is holding a firehouse primary to fill a vacant seat.
- Four candidates have been chosen to face off in the primary: Russell Brooks, Garrett McGuire, Carla Bustillos, and Joy McManus.
- Voting will be held on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at three polling locations in Alexandria and Springfield.
- The winner of the primary will face the Republican nominee in a special election on January 20.
- The primary was triggered by the resignation of Del. Mark Sickles, who will serve as the Commonwealth’s next secretary of finance.
Introduction to the Firehouse Primary
The 17th House of Delegates District in Fairfax County, Virginia, is set to hold a firehouse primary to fill a vacant seat. The primary was triggered by the resignation of Del. Mark Sickles, who announced that he would be leaving his position to serve under Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s cabinet as the Commonwealth’s next secretary of finance. Sickles has served in the House of Delegates since 2004 and is the second-highest Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee. The firehouse primary will take place on Sunday, with four candidates vying for the vacant seat.
The Candidates
The four candidates who have been chosen to face off in the primary are Russell Brooks, Garrett McGuire, Carla Bustillos, and Joy McManus. They will appear on the ballot in that order. Russell Brooks is a retired public servant with over two decades of experience with the U.S. Department of State. His top priorities for the role include affordability, healthcare, education, and defending democracy. Garrett McGuire has served as the chair of the Board of United Community nonprofit and the chair of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board. His top priorities include strengthening schools, supporting economic growth, and lowering costs for families.
Candidate Priorities and Experience
Carla Bustillos is the president of the Latino Caucus of the Democratic Party of Virginia and a small-business owner. Her campaign priorities include expanding Northern Virginia transportation funding, defending protections for federal workers, and supporting local businesses. Joy McManus is a longtime teacher at Fairfax County Public Schools and a gun violence prevention advocate as the head of Virginia Moms Demand Action. Her top campaign priorities include affordability, public safety, and fighting for reproductive rights. Each of the candidates brings their unique experience and priorities to the table, making for a competitive primary.
Voting Information
Voting for the primary will be held on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at three polling locations in Alexandria and Springfield. The locations are the Franconia Governmental Center, the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Alexandria, and the Hotel Belvoir Springfield. Voters can also register on the Fairfax Democrats website by 5 p.m. on Saturday to vote online. It is essential for voters to make their voices heard in this primary, as the winner will go on to face the Republican nominee in a special election on January 20.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The firehouse primary for the 17th House of Delegates District in Fairfax County, Virginia, is an important event that will determine the future of the district. With four qualified candidates vying for the seat, voters have a difficult decision to make. The winner of the primary will face the Republican nominee in a special election on January 20, making it crucial for voters to participate in the primary. By understanding the candidates’ priorities and experience, voters can make an informed decision and shape the future of the district. As the primary approaches, it is essential for voters to stay informed and exercise their right to vote.