Frank Fannon, Living Legend of Alexandria, Announces Bid for City Council

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Frank Fannon — former Alexandria City Councilman and 2020 Living Legend of Alexandria honoree — has announced his candidacy for City Council in the April 21, 2026, special election to fill the seat vacated by Delegate Kirk McPike.

Fannon, who served on City Council from 2009 to 2012, said he is returning to public service with a commitment to independent thinking, fiscal responsibility, and what he calls putting citizens first.

“Every citizen deserves a councilman, and I’m running for Alexandria, for the people of Alexandria,” Fannon said. “I don’t believe in groupthink. I am an independent thinker who will put the citizens first.”

Neighborhoods and Density at the Center of His Campaign

Fannon said neighborhood concerns will be central to his campaign, particularly recent street redesigns and zoning decisions.

“Too many of our neighborhoods feel City Council has turned a deaf ear to their concerns,” he said. Referencing zoning decisions, he added, “There was zero support from single-family homeowners to construct apartment buildings in single-family neighborhoods. It was forced upon them and should be reconsidered.”

Fannon also cited density as a growing quality-of-life issue.

“Alexandria is already among the most densely populated mid-size cities in the United States. Gridlocked streets are just one result,” Fannon said. “It’s time to seriously reconsider plans to add tens of thousands more people to a city of 15 square miles with nowhere to grow.”

Fannon made his candidacy public online at 9 a.m., and the Republican Party sent press releases to the media.

“History is at the heart of what makes Alexandria special,” Fannon said. “Our unique history has attracted many of the residents who reside in our city today. History is what brings hundreds of thousands of tourists to Alexandria every year.”

His connection to the city’s past runs deep. Fannon served as Finance Chair for Alexandria’s 250th Anniversary Celebration in 1999. Now, as the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary, he said he feels drawn to re-enter public service.

In 2020, he was honored as a Living Legend of Alexandria, recognizing decades of civic leadership and volunteer service.

Decades of Civic Leadership

For nearly two decades, Fannon has organized “Alexandrians Have Heart,” an annual Valentine’s-weekend food and clothing drive benefiting Christ House and ALIVE! Food Bank, and Carpenter’s Shelter.

He currently serves as President of the Alexandria Aces, the city’s collegiate summer baseball team. Over the years, he has also served as president of Agenda:Alexandria, Volunteer Alexandria, and the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club.

His past service includes the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, the Alexandria Library Board, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, and the board of the United Way of the National Capital Region. He is an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Old Dominion Boat Club, and the Alexandria Rotary Club.

Deep Alexandria Roots

Fannon recently retired from a 32-year career in residential mortgage banking with Crestar, SunTrust, and Truist, helping thousands of Alexandrians achieve homeownership.

A fourth-generation Alexandrian, Fannon is the great-grandson of T.J. Fannon, the son of an Irish immigrant who arrived in Alexandria in 1850 and founded T.J. Fannon and Sons. Now in its 141st year, it remains the oldest 100-percent family-owned business in the city.

Three generations of Fannons have served on the Alexandria City Council, including T.J. Fannon, who served as Vice Mayor.

The special election will be held April 21, 2026.