Sean Epstein Seeking 1st District House Of Delegates Seat: VA Primary Election 2025

ARLINGTON, VA — Technology executive Sean Phillip Epstein is running for the Virginia House of Delegates to help the Democratic Party and the state move from business-as-usual politics to a more execution-focused model whereby schools in District 1 are better funded.

Epstein is on the ballot for the June 17 Democratic Party primary, which will determine if he, fellow challenger Arjoon Srikanth or incumbent Del. Patrick A. Hope will represent their party in the Nov. 4 general election.

As part of its coverage of the 2025 Democratic Party primary, Patch has asked each of the Democrats in the District 1 race to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they are the best person to fill the seat.

Early voting for the June 17 primary is underway. More information about the election is available online.

Your Name

Sean Epstein

Position Sought

VA HD-1

Age (as of Election Day)

52

Campaign Website

Epstein For Virginia

Names, ages and any pertinent details you may wish to share.

Wife, Teresa. Kids - Lila, Lincoln and Stella. All in APS.

Also See: Del. Patrick Hope Faces 2 Challengers In Re-Election Bid In District 1 Of VA House

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

No

Education

UVA and Columbia Business School

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Political Office

Technology Executive, 30 years

Also See: Early Voting For June Democratic Party Primary In Arlington Underway

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running to help our party and our state move from business-as-usual politics to a more execution focused model whereby our schools in District 1 are better funded, we build things better and with more accountability and we stop chasing shinny pennies and focus on doing a few things and doing them well.

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

For District 1 it is our economy. We need to redeploy federal workers both because it’s the right thing to do and to keep their taxes and brain power here in the county. We need to create more bi-directional partnerships with existing and the right new small to medium sized businesses. We need to create better private public partnerships whereby we enable the private sector to execute flawlessly and without needless delays and cost overruns. We need to up-skill and cross train students and workers to ensure we have the most talented and well compensated pool of resources in the nation.

Related: Arjoon Srikanth Seeking 1st District House Of Delegates Seat

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

I am the only one of the candidates who has managed complex businesses, created jobs, and has a proven track record of generating revenue for shareholders. I am not a career lobbyist-legislator. And I have raised a family here and therefore evolved in this community and with our constituents in District 1.

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

He has not "failed" the constituency, and we respect his service. But, it is our belief that after 16 plus years in Richmond, we in District 1 do not feel the impact of his legacy in a meaningful way, it still feels like more of our money is going somewhere else in the state, and the core issues - the economy and education have not been fundamentally adjusted to our interests.

Related: Arlington Board Candidate Running In Democratic Primary

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Creating a more vibrant economy by investing in the right business partnerships here in Arlington. Getting more money in the pockets of APS to use in the county.

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

Led a $200M business at one of the largest software companies in the world. 30 years of large tech company experience. Had 3 kids in 17 months with an incredible leader in her space.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Its often better to be effective than right.

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

N/A

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