Big Turnout from Alexandria Primary Voters Jostles City Council and Mayor’s Office
In a primary election turnout that surprised most, Alexandria voters in 29 precincts spoke loudly at the polls and scrambled the usually predictable local Democratic slate for November.
Vice Mayor Justin Wilson challenged incumbent Mayor Allison Silberberg during a heated season of debates and barb-exchanging editorials, nudging a clear victory last night capturing almost 53% of the vote.
The City Council Democratic ballot had 12 choices for six slots and voters only kept two incumbents, long-time sitting Councilwoman Redella “Del” Pepper, who has served on Council since 1985, and John Chapman, a fourth-generation Alexandrian who is an educator and small businessman in town.
Leaping into the forefront are four shakeups for the slate: Amy Jackson, a T.C. Williams graduate, life-long community activist and educator; Mo Seifelden, a successful attorney, dedicated volunteer and mentor, and small business owner; Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, a nonprofit leader, small business creator who serves on a number of Alexandria boards and commissions; and Canek Aguirre, a community advocate originally from Los Angeles, whose personal and professional career has centered on helping the underprivileged.
These candidates will face Republican and Independent challengers in the November general election on November 6, 2018.
