Julius D. 'JD' Spain Sr. Runs For Arlington County Board: 2024 Profile

ARLINGTON, VA — While most of the attention this political season has been on the presidential race, Arlington residents will also be casting ballots on Nov. 5 for candidates running in the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives (8th District), county board and school board races.

Julius D. "JD" Spain Sr. , a retired U.S. Marine and senior business consultant," is on the Nov. 5 ballot in the race to fill the vacant seat on the Arlington County Board. He's running against Audrey Clement, Juan Carlos Fierro and Madison F. Granger.

As part of its coverage of the 2024 election, Patch has asked each of the candidates in the Arlington County Board race to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they're the best person to fill the job they're running for.

Your Name

Julius D. "JD" Spain, Sr

Position sought:

Arlington County Board, Member

Have you been endorsed by a recognized political party? If so, which one?

Arlington County Democratic Committee

Age (as of Election Day)

52

Campaign Website

JD for Arlington

Names, ages and any pertinent details you wish to share about your family.

My wife and I take pride in being the parents of three children, all of whom are graduates of Arlington County Public Schools. We also have a wonderful granddaughter. Our three children pursued their education at Virginia public universities: William & Mary, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts, Mary Washington University, and Parsons School of Design in New York City. Throughout their K-12 years, I was actively involved as a parent volunteer, and to this day, I continue to show my support to schools as a member of respective PTAs.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you are a candidate in.

Wife, Executive Director, U.S. Government

Education

Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of Maryland, University College (UMUC)—a distinguished program established in 1949 to support the higher education of returning GIs and military personnel stationed around the globe. Advanced studies in legislative affairs from Georgetown University, Government Affairs Institute, Capitol Hill Fellowship Program. George Mason University, Costello College of Business-Executive Education, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer program

Occupation - Please include years of experience.

I am a retired Marine Corps combat veteran with 26 years of dedicated military service and a remarkable 33 years of cumulative experience. In 2016, I had the honor of receiving the prestigious Legion of Merit Award in recognition of my outstanding service. Currently, I bring my wealth of expertise to the role of senior business consultant in Tysons Corner, VA, while also actively serving as a community leader. I represented the country on a diplomatic mission to NATO in Brussels, Belgium for four years. In addition, I have worked as a congressional fellow in the U.S. Senate and as a legislative advisor for the Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs at the Pentagon. I have also served as a federal investigator and held positions as the former president of the NAACP Arlington Branch and regional vice president of the Virginia State Conference NAACP. My experience extends across local, state, and federal government, civil rights, and nonprofit organizations. I also serve on several boards, including the Dream Project and the President's Innovation and Inclusive Excellence Councils at George Mason University, where I promote innovation and inclusive excellence in higher education and the economy.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Political Office

N/A

Why are you seeking elective office?

Our community holds a special place in my heart. Choosing to live and raise our three children in Arlington was an easy decision due to the exceptional schools and diverse population. For over 15 years, I have tirelessly dedicated myself to contributing to the success of our community, drawing on a lifetime of public service. I humbly request your #1 vote for Arlington County Board. With previous experience as an appointed Commissioner, a community representative on two County working groups, local and statewide leadership roles in the NAACP, and involvement in equity efforts and various community organizations, I have gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our wonderful county. Our community's diversity, mirrored in my multicultural family, is what makes it truly special. This, coupled with my extensive leadership and community engagement experience, uniquely positions me to represent our community on the County Board. I firmly believe that my representation will fortify the Board, enabling it to effectively and equitably serve our entire community.

The single most pressing issue facing voters is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most urgent issue facing voters today is division. I firmly believe that we are One Arlington, and I am dedicated to tackling the crucial issues that impact our community, regardless of zip code or socioeconomic status. When we join forces, we can conquer our community’s most complex challenges. I am unwavering in my commitment to transparency, empathy, asking the right questions, and implementing innovative solutions. Whether it involves enhancing public education, reducing commercial vacancy rates, ensuring community safety, or enhancing transportation and our public parks, I will prioritize attentive listening and collaborative work. I firmly believe that seeking understanding, unifying, and then taking decisive action yields the most effective outcomes for the greater good of our community. I am here to listen and deliver, and I am fully prepared to lead from day one.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am a resolute, committed life-long Democrat driven by the power of inclusive leadership, a proven track record of delivering results, and forward-thinking policy proposals. I take pride in being the Democratic candidate who triumphed in 31 out of 54 precincts in the Democratic primary. My endorsements from numerous esteemed community leaders and progressive organizations attest to my commitment (visit my website for more details). With an in-depth understanding of Arlington and a consistent voice for our community, I am fully prepared to lead from day one

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

N/A; I am seeking to fill an open seat.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

If elected, I will draw upon the valuable insights gained from our residents and prioritize:

• Improving our neighborhoods and infrastructure to advance sustainability and enhance the safety of our community
• Growing our local economy and helping small business
• Protecting our tree canopy, public parks, and open spaces
• Investing in our students, teachers, and public schools
• Advocating for communities, attainable housing across all stages of life, and improved mental health services
• Supporting progressive Democrats and vehemently opposing extremists who would ban abortion and contraception

With your support and input, I will use my leadership experience and relationships to help make these priorities a reality.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I served in the Marine Corps for nearly three decades, fulfilled a diplomatic assignment in Belgium, completed a fellowship in the US Senate, rose to the highest enlisted rank, and was awarded the Legion of Merit for meritorious and exceptional service to our nation. I bring this same standard of dedication, excellence, and integrity to my family, career, nonprofit work, and, if elected, to serving the community of Arlington. View more accomplishments here.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Quote by Dr. Martin Luther King: "Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’"

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I ask for your #1 vote for Arlington County Board.