Arlington Delegates Announce Re-Election Campaigns Amid Political Landscape Changes

Three Arlington Delegates, Adele McClure, Patrick Hope, and Alfonso Lopez, announced re-election bids, affirming their commitment to serving local values. McClure emphasized the challenges ahead, while Hope and Lopez highlighted their accomplishments. The Democratic nomination deadline is April 3, and internal competition arises particularly for Hope. Meanwhile, the School Board race features two candidates, with important elections looming in 2025.

Last week, three members of Arlington’s delegation to the House of Delegates officially announced their intentions to seek re-election. Delegates Adele McClure (D-2), Patrick Hope (D-1), and Alfonso Lopez (D-3) made their bids known at the Arlington County Democratic Committee’s monthly meeting on March 5, following the conclusion of the 2025 legislative session.

Delegate McClure highlighted the ongoing challenges that lay ahead, stating, “There is still so much to do, especially now. Every person in this room knows exactly what we are up against.” Delegate Hope, marking his intentions for a ninth two-year term, emphasized his experience by declaring, “I’ve delivered for Arlington and I know how to get things done.”

Delegate Lopez asserted his commitment to Arlington values, remarking, “There’s nothing more rewarding than helping people. We need to create more prosperity and do it in a way where everyone wins.” Given the political landscape, all three seats are viewed as Democratic strongholds, thus positioning the party nominees as likely victors in the general election.

As it stands, McClure and Lopez are facing no internal competition, while Delegate Hope contends with Arjoon Srikanth, who began his challenge on February 5. The deadline for Democratic candidates to file is April 3, with any contested nominations to be settled in a primary scheduled for June 17.

Additionally, the upcoming elections include a focus on Virginia’s governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general positions, with Democrats striving to secure major turnout. Kip Malinosky, a former chair of the county Democrats, emphasized the strategies needed, saying, “We’re well-positioned to win. We need turnout, we need margin, we need to make sure we vote up and down the ballot.”

In the separate Democratic School Board race, two candidates, Monique “Moe” Bryant and June Prakash, will contest for the Democratic Party’s nomination, following no other candidates entering prior to the February 28 filing deadline. The caucus voting is set from April 19 to May 10, with the winner proceeding to the general election on November 4.

Incumbent School Board member Mary Kadera has opted not to seek a second term, making this seat the only one on the ballot. Although Virginia officially classifies school board positions as nonpartisan, candidates must file by mid-June to participate in the general election.

The Arlington-Alexandria-Falls Church Young Republicans have also made strides, electing Daniel Turner as chair for 2025, with Danielle Kochar as vice chair and other members filling key positions. Leadership expressed commitment towards energizing local Young Republicans for the 2025 election cycle, with the next meeting scheduled for March 17.

The recent announcements by Arlington’s delegates demonstrate the ongoing commitment to public service amid upcoming elections. With Delegate McClure, Delegate Hope, and Delegate Lopez all seeking re-election in Democratic strongholds, the focus will be on contestation within the party and turnout in the general election. Additionally, the Democratic School Board race and leadership developments among Young Republicans reflect the active political landscape in Arlington. As these candidates prepare for their respective contests, strong community support and strategic campaigning will be pivotal for their success.

Original Source: www.arlnow.com