ALEXANDRIA, VA-Yesterday on Twitter, Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson announced his bid for re-election. If he wins, it will be his second term in office.
Wilson told The Zebra by email that if elected to another term, he and City Council will make it their number one priority to rebuild Alexandria’s economy. He said that will happen by investing in infrastructure, supporting children, and growing the economy.
“I’m running for re-election,” he said, “because I believe that Alexandria can lead the recovery and not just survive, but thrive.”
In June 2018, Wilson defeated then-Mayor Allison Silberberg in a democratic primary. He has led during an unprecedented time in history. While they expected to deal with the Metro shutdown, City Council has obviously shifted focus during this term to address the current public health crisis, as well as its impact on human service and the local economy.
“It is very easy to govern in good times. Leadership is defined during tough times,” Wilson said. “My first stint on City Council was during the Great Recession, the worst financial challenge our City had faced in generations. We are now facing a moment far more severe. I understand how to build coalitions to make the difficult choices required to protect our City’s future.”
Wilson’s time on City Council stretches back more than a decade. In 2007, he joined after a special election. Following a loss in 2009, he was re-elected in 2012 and became Vice Mayor three years later.
He is proud that in his first term as mayor, City Council has worked together to improve Alexandria in various ways. This includes a plan for a new hospital at the redeveloped Landmark Mall site, the start of construction at Potomac Yard Metro, and budgeting funds for five new schools over the next decade.
The democratic primary for the mayoral and city council races is June 8. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Wilson is currently running with no opposition.
When asked about his platform for running, he said, “My focus will be as it always has been: investing in our infrastructure, ensuring the success of our kids and protecting the City’s economy.”
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