TONIGHT: Alexandria City Council Candidates Face Off in Del Ray Debate Ahead of Feb. 21 Firehouse Primary

ALEXANDRIA, VA — With just days before Alexandria’s Democratic firehouse primary, all five candidates seeking the open City Council seat will face off tonight, Monday, February 16, in a debate focused on business and community priorities.

The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Elmo’s (2300 Mt. Vernon Ave.) and is hosted as part of the Del Ray Business Association’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and advocacy for local businesses.

Organizers say the discussion will center on business-related issues affecting the City of Alexandria, with particular attention to the needs and priorities of Del Ray businesses. Members are encouraged to attend and participate, and questions may be submitted in advance through a Google form circulated by the association.

All five Democratic candidates have confirmed they will attend.

The debate comes just days before voters head to the polls on Saturday, February 21, 2026, for a Democratic firehouse primary to choose the party’s nominee in the special City Council election.

The vacancy was created when longtime Councilman R. Kirk McPike resigned after winning a special election to serve in the Virginia House of Delegates earlier this month.

The Candidates

Five Democrats are competing for the nomination:

Sandy Marks

Former Chair, Alexandria Democratic Committee
Marks was the first to announce her candidacy. She has emphasized seasoned leadership, deep civic connections, and readiness to step in immediately.

Tim Laderach

Attorney, Pharmacist, U.S. Navy Reservist & Community Advocate
Former President of the Del Ray Citizens Association and Chair of the Alexandria Economic Opportunities Commission. His campaign stresses “Day One Readiness,” economic mobility, and inclusivity.

Roberto Gomez

Founder & Executive Director, Cornerstone Craftsman
Gomez has earned high-profile support, including an endorsement from Mayor Alyia Gaskins. He focuses on affordability, public safety, and workforce education expansion.

Charles Sumpter

Senior Executive at World Wildlife Fund & Civic Leader
Sumpter has centered his campaign on affordable housing, mental health access, and student workforce pathways.

Cesar Madison Tapia

D.C. Public Schools Teacher & Political Content Creator
Tapia has mobilized younger voters through social media. His priorities include rent affordability, housing stability for renters, and city-run childcare programs.

Where You Can Vote on Feb. 21

The Feb. 21 firehouse primary — an unassembled caucus run by the Alexandria Democratic Committee — will determine the Democratic nominee. Voting will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at designated polling locations. For the first time, the party is also offering online voting for registered voters who sign up in advance.

• Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library
5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22304

• Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center
25 West Reed Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304

What Voters Should Know

• The Feb. 21 firehouse primary will determine the Democratic nominee.
• Democrats must sign a pledge affirming party support to participate.
• The general special election is expected April 21.

With housing, public safety, density, school funding, and economic vitality at the center of city debates, tonight’s forum offers voters and business owners a rare opportunity to hear directly from every candidate before ballots are cast.