Monday Debate, Tuesday Vote: Firehouse Election to Fill Ebbin’s Senate Seat

ALEXANDRIA, VA — On Tuesday, January 13, Democrats across Alexandria and parts of Arlington and Fairfax County will vote in a one-day firehouse election to replace Virginia Senator Adam Ebbin, a longtime Alexandria resident who is stepping down after more than two decades in the General Assembly.

Ebbin is leaving the Senate to join Abigail Spanberger’s administration, where he will serve as a senior advisor at the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. His resignation takes effect February 18, triggering a fast-moving and unusual election timeline.

Before voters head to the polls, they will have one chance to hear directly from the candidates. A public debate is scheduled for Monday, January 12, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Charles Houston Recreation Center. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The winner of Tuesday’s party-run vote will advance to a February 10 special election to represent the 39th Senate District in Richmond, where margins are tight and every seat counts.

Four Democrats are seeking the nomination:

• World Wildlife Fund executive Charles Sumpter

• Former Alexandria Vice Mayor Amy Jackson

• Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker

• Former Del. Mark Levine

The race includes a familiar rematch. Bennett-Parker and Levine faced each other in a 2021 Democratic primary, which Bennett-Parker won.

In a low-turnout contest like this, organization and motivated voters can make the difference.

Ebbin has represented the district since 2012 and spent 22 years in the Virginia General Assembly. In announcing his departure, he described the move as a continuation of his work on cannabis policy — shifting from writing laws to helping implement them.

“After 22 years in the General Assembly, I just submitted my resignation from the Virginia Senate, effective February 18, in order to join Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger’s administration as a Senior Advisor at the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority,” Ebbin wrote. “2026 is the year we will move cannabis sales off the street corner and behind the age-verified counter.”

Few lawmakers have been as closely associated with Virginia’s path from cannabis decriminalization to legalization, making his transition from legislator to regulator especially notable.

MORE ON SENATOR ADAM EBBIN’S LAWMAKING CAREER

What is a firehouse election?

A firehouse election is a party-run nominating contest used when speed is essential, particularly for special elections. The term dates back to when parties often held votes in local gathering places such as firehouses, churches, and recreation centers.

Unlike a state-run primary, a firehouse election is organized and funded by the political party, held on a single day, and conducted at a limited number of locations. Turnout is typically lower, giving organized campaigns an outsized role.

The Democratic firehouse election will be held Tuesday, January 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Eligible voters who live within the 39th Senate District may vote at any of the following locations:

Alexandria

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

• Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Arlington

• Aurora Hills Library, 735 18th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202

Annandale

• NEW! John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 6531 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003

Voters must reside within the district, present identification, and meet Democratic Party eligibility requirements. Curbside voting will be available at all locations.

What happens next

After Tuesday’s firehouse election, attention will turn quickly to February 10, when voters across the district will choose who officially fills the seat.

For residents, the takeaway is simple: this is happening fast. With a debate Monday night and a vote Tuesday, the window to learn about the candidates — and weigh in — is brief.