Alexandria Councilman R. Kirk McPike Wins Democratic Firehouse Primary for Virginia House District 5
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Alexandria City Councilman R. Kirk McPike has won the Democratic firehouse primary to be his party’s nominee for the special election in Virginia House of Delegates District 5. Voters cast ballots Tuesday in the contest called to replace Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, who earlier this month secured the Democratic nomination for the special election for State Senate District 39.
McPike, a two-term Alexandria City Council member first elected in 2021, brings years of local civic experience to his campaign for Richmond. Before joining the Council, he served on multiple Alexandria boards and commissions with a focus on affordable housing, budget issues, and services for lower-income residents. He also chaired the Alexandria Economic Opportunities Commission and served on the City’s Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee, advising the Council on fiscal priorities.
A native of Dallas, Texas, McPike arrived in Alexandria more than a decade ago to manage former State Senator Adam Ebbin’s campaign and stayed to make the city his home. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern Methodist University and completed the Political Leaders Program at the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership.
In addition to his local leadership, McPike has extensive experience in federal government. He has worked for more than a decade as chief of staff to U.S. Congressman Mark Takano, a leading voice on veterans’ affairs and progressive issues in Congress, where his portfolio has included work on LGBTQ+ rights and national policy.
As a Council member, McPike has prioritized housing affordability, fiscal stewardship, expanded communications between government and residents, and community engagement. His campaign for Delegate emphasizes continuing that work at the state level, including supporting housing initiatives, public education, climate action, and worker rights.
McPike will face Republican Mason Butler in the special general election scheduled for February 10, 2026.
And yes, if McPike wins, Alexandria needs another primary election for his City Council seat.
[…] ALEXANDRIA, VA – During a virtual session of the Alexandria City Council on Tuesday night, Councilman Kirk McPike tendered his resignation, officially clearing the way for his campaign for the Virginia House of Delegates seat in District 5. […]