As an expert on politics and elections in Northern Virginia, I have been closely following the current campaign candidates in the region. While the 2020 election season has been dominated by the race for the White House, it is important not to overlook the significance of local elections. These candidates will have a direct impact on the daily lives of Northern Virginians, making it crucial for voters to be informed about their options. Local elections also tend to have lower voter turnout compared to national elections, making each vote even more impactful. In fact, in the 2019 Virginia state elections, only 41% of registered voters cast their ballots.
The Candidates
There are several campaign candidates in Northern Virginia running for various positions in the upcoming election.Let's take a closer look at some of the key races and candidates.
State Legislature
The Virginia General Assembly is made up of two chambers - the House of Delegates and the Senate. Currently, Democrats hold a slim majority in both chambers, but Republicans are hoping to regain control in this election. In Northern Virginia, there are several competitive races for seats in both the House and Senate. In the House of Delegates, incumbent Democrat Danica Roem is facing a challenge from Republican Kelly McGinn. Roem made history in 2017 as the first openly transgender person to be elected to a state legislature.McGinn, a former congressional aide, is hoping to unseat Roem and flip the seat back to Republican control. In the Senate, incumbent Democrat Jennifer Boysko is facing a challenge from Republican Joe May. Boysko won a special election in 2019 to fill the seat vacated by Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. May, a former state delegate, is hoping to win back the seat for Republicans.
County Boards
There are also several competitive races for county boards in Northern Virginia. In Fairfax County, incumbent Democrat Jeff McKay is facing a challenge from Republican Joe Galdo for the position of Board of Supervisors Chairman.McKay has served on the board since 2007 and is hoping to continue his leadership in the county. Galdo, a small business owner, is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility and transparency. In Loudoun County, incumbent Democrat Phyllis Randall is facing a challenge from Republican John Whitbeck for the position of Board of Supervisors Chair. Randall made history in 2015 as the first African American and first woman to be elected as chair of the board. Whitbeck, a former state senator, is hoping to unseat Randall and bring his experience in state government to the county level.
The Issues
While each candidate has their own unique platform and priorities, there are several key issues that are at the forefront of this election in Northern Virginia.Traffic and Transportation
Northern Virginia is known for its notoriously bad traffic, and it's no surprise that this is a top issue for many voters.Candidates are proposing various solutions, from expanding public transportation options to improving road infrastructure.
Economy and Jobs
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy, and candidates are focused on how to help businesses recover and create new job opportunities. This includes supporting small businesses, investing in workforce development, and attracting new industries to the region.Education
With many schools in Northern Virginia starting the school year virtually due to the pandemic, education has become a hot topic in this election. Candidates are discussing ways to improve virtual learning and ensure that students are receiving a quality education, as well as addressing issues such as school funding and teacher pay.Get Out and Vote
With so much at stake in this election, it is crucial for Northern Virginians to make their voices heard at the polls. Whether you vote by mail or in person, be sure to research the candidates and their positions on the issues that matter most to you. Remember, local elections have a direct impact on your community, so don't overlook their importance.Get out and vote for the campaign candidates in Northern Virginia who you believe will best represent your interests and values.
