Affordability Top Issue Facing 11th District Voters: Gretchen Bulova

FAIRFAX, VA — Affordability is the primary issue facing voters in Northern Virginia's 11th Delegate District, according to Democrat Gretchen Bulova.

"The skyrocketing cost of housing, health care, and childcare – just to name a few – means that many families are struggling to simply make ends meet.," she said. "These issues have been exacerbated by the Trump administration's DOGE cuts, tariffs, and purge of our federal workforce. The issue is particularly acute for health care, where federal inaction means that many families will pay more than double their health care premiums or face the difficult decision to go without health insurance."

Bulova is facing Republican Adam J. Wise in the Jan. 13 special election to determine who will represent the 11th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. The next legislative session begins on Wednesday, Jan. 14.

The 11th District seat became vacant when Bulova's husband David Bulova stepped down to become Governor-Elect Abigail Spanberger's nominee as the next Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources.

Patch reached out to both candidates running in the Jan. 13 special election, asking them to answer a few questions to help voters learn more about them. The following are Bulova's responses to Patch's candidate questionnaire.

Name

Gretchen Bulova

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

Democratic Party

Position Sought

Virginia House of Delegates, 11th District

Age (as of Election Day)

56

Family

Married for 32 years with three wonderful children.

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

My husband, David Bulova, served as the 11th District Delegate for 20 years. He was recently appointed Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources with the Spanberger administration.

Education

BA from the College of Williams and Mary, MA from The George Washington University

Occupation

Museum Director, 34 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Political Office

Appointed to VA250 Commission, Fairfax County History Commission, Fairfax250 Commission

Why are you seeking elective office?

Giving back through community service is a core value for me. I have actively supported our children and teachers through the PTO, helped to develop our future leaders through scouting, made our communities safer by founding my neighborhood’s National Night Out against crime program, and served on multiple Fairfax County commissions. Professionally, I am the Director of Historic Alexandria, where I manage eight museums, a staff of 75, and a complex budget. I bring passion, organizational and financial experience, and knowledge of the 11th District to the position that will allow me to be effective in the General Assembly on day one. For over 30 years, I have worked to elect great candidates at every level of government. I am pleased to have the endorsement of Congressman James Walkinshaw, City of Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Jeff McKay – and over two dozen other local elected officials. Finally, at its core, being a Delegate is about teamwork. I promise to listen, collaborate, and be your voice in Richmond.

The single most pressing issue facing voters in the 11th House of Delegates District is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Affordability. The skyrocketing cost of housing, health care, and childcare – just to name a few – means that many families are struggling to simply make ends meet. These issues have been exacerbated by the Trump administration's DOGE cuts, tariffs, and purge of our federal workforce. The issue is particularly acute for health care, where federal inaction means that many families will pay more than double their health care premiums or face the difficult decision to go without health insurance. The General Assembly, working with Governor Spanberger, can play a significant role in helping families navigate these difficult times. In addition to investing in early childhood care and education, I will submit budget amendments to increase the Virginia Housing Trust Fund. The fund is Virginia’s primary tool to for partnering with non-profits and localities to increase attainable housing. We must also increase the minimum wage so that people working full time can support themselves and their families. Finally, we must move swiftly to reduce health insurance premiums and establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board so that people can afford life-saving medications.

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

I grew up this area, know the community, and have a record of proven leadership. I bring knowledge of the 11th District to the position that will allow me to be effective in the General Assembly on day one.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

1. Fighting for our working families: Work to make Fairfax housing, childcare, and healthcare more accessible and affordable.
2. Strengthen our Schools: Fight to fully fund our schools, increase teacher pay, and reduce class sizes; ensure Fairfax gets our fair share.
3. Protect Civil Liberties: Vote to pass constitutional amendments to protect reproductive health, restore voter rights, and enshrine marriage equality.

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

Professionally, I serve as the Director of Historic Alexandria. I bring a career of public service and the organizational experience of managing eight museums, a staff of 75, and a complex budget to this position.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Always make time for your family, regardless of the hectic schedule.

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

I am committed to public and community service. I am not one to sit on the sidelines. The way we make decisions is very important. Listening and learning from my constituents will be at the center of my approach to representing the 11th District. Finally, I love hiking in Virginia's beautiful parks with my family in our spare time.

How To Vote In Special Election

Early in-person voting for the Jan. 13 special election in the 11th Delegate District got underway on Saturday, Jan. 3 and will continue until Saturday, Jan. 10 at the following locations:

• Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway Suite 323 (3rd Floor), Fairfax, 22035
• Jim Scott Community Center, 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax 22031; Hours are Monday-Friday, 1 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Visit the Virginia Department of Elections website to register to vote, check your registration status, find a polling place near you or to file an application to vote absentee by mail. View a sample ballot.

Also See ...

• GOP Chooses Candidate For Jan. 13 Special Election
• Winner Named In 11th House District Firehouse Primary
• Gretchen Bulova Running In 11th District Delegate Race: Democratic Primary