Rachel McQuillen Running For Fairfax City Council: Candidate Profile

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — While most of the attention this political season has been on the presidential race, Fairfax City residents will not only be voting for candidates running in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives (11th District) races, they will also be casting ballots for mayor, city council and school board candidates.

Fairfax City School Board Member Rachel McQuillen is on the Nov. 5 ballot running for one of the six open seats on the Fairfax City Council. She is facing incumbents Billy Bates, Kate Doyle Feingold and Jeff Greenfield, as well as newcomers, Anthony Amos, Amini Elizabeth Bonane, Taylor A. Geaghan , Stacy Hall, Stacey Hardy-Chandler, Tom Peterson and Jack Ryan.

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

Early voting for the Nov. 5 election begins on Sept 20. More information about the election is available on Fairfax City's Voter Registration & Elections page. Non-city voters can visit the Fairfax County Office of Elections or the Virginia Department of Elections for more information.

Your Name

Rachel McQuillen

Position sought

City Council

Age (as of Election Day)

43

Campaign Website

www.RachelforFairfax.com

City elections are traditionally non-partisan and candidates must run as independents, according to both the city charter and the Code of Virginia. No party affiliation or "mark" will appear next to any of the candidates' names on the Nov. 5 ballot. Have you been endorsed by a recognized political party or have you aligned yourself with a group of candidates representing themselves as independent, non-partisan candidates, including candidates running in other city races? Please check the answer that is most appropriate.

Please elaborate on your answer to the previous question and explain how this will affect the way you will serve on the city council.

Well for starters, I'm running for City Council, not Mayor (as the questions states). I am an independent candidate working with other independent candidates to keep local elections nonpartisan. Check us out at http://www.independentfairfaxcity.com!

How does your status as described in the two previous questions help Fairfax City voters choose a candidate that aligns with their particular political beliefs?

My status as an independent candidate directly supports Fairfax City voters in choosing a candidate that aligns with their values and concerns. As an independent, I prioritize addressing key community needs, such as safety, development, and education, without being bound by party lines. In a small city like ours, where representatives are more easily accessible, I encourage voters to actively communicate with candidates and ask questions.

When local elections become partisan, federal employees and some contractors can't support candidates or even run for office themselves if the election is considered partisan. This is because the Hatch Act prevents them from engaging in certain political activities to keep their work unbiased and fair. It could mean they can't show support for a candidate they like, volunteer for them, or display a candidate's bumper sticker!

Keeping Elections Nonpartisan means everyone—whether they're federal employees, contractors, or nonprofit workers—can participate freely and support the candidates they believe will make the best decisions for their community. It helps ensure fairness and keeps the focus on local issues that matter to everyone.

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

My husband Nick and I are the proud parents of two sons who both attend Fairfax City Schools. Our eldest has had the opportunity to attend three out of the four Fairfax City Schools including Providence Elementary, Katherine Johnson Middle, and Fairfax High School. We also have a sweet five year-old Labrador retriever named Stella.

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

I do not have any family members that currently work in politics, but I come from a family of military service members and public-school teachers.

Education

I am a proud alumna of Northern Virginia Community College, where I earned an Associate's Degree in Business Administration, and George Mason University, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Marketing.

Occupation - Please include years of experience.

In addition to being a stay-at-home mother, I am also the owner of a small dog training and pet care services business that has been serving the City of Fairfax since 2018. Prior to starting my own small business, I spent over a decade working in the Accounting and Finance industry.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Political Office

I am currently completing my first term as a City of Fairfax School Board Member. I also serve on the City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and I am the Public Image Chair and Assistant Treasurer to the Rotary Club of Fairfax. Previously, I served on the Providence Elementary School PTA for over a decade as the PTA Secretary and Fundraising Spirit Wear Chair.

Why are you seeking elective office?

Motivated by my love for Fairfax City, I am running for City Council to bring thoughtful leadership and collaboration. My goals include improving community outreach, enhancing education, preserving the environment, and strengthening public safety. With my diverse background and commitment to public service, I aim to create a prosperous, inclusive, and secure community for all. I also want to show that effective representation doesn’t depend on large financial backing or major party support, but rather on dedication, listening to the community, and working together with residents. I look forward to building and maintaining the Fairfax City we all deserve through compassionate and collaborative leadership.

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

The single most pressing issue facing voters right now is the need for better collaboration and communication. In our city, we have more in common than we often realize, and it’s crucial that we get back to listening to each other respectfully and working together. By improving how we connect with one another—whether it’s between local government, small businesses, first responders, or residents—we can tackle the complex challenges we face more effectively.

I’m committed to spending time in neighborhoods and at businesses to address and respond promptly to your concerns. By providing clear data used in decision-making, I aim to increase transparency and help you understand how and why decisions are made. Better communication will not only foster collaboration but also enhance public safety, strengthen community outreach, maintain excellent educational resources, and advance environmental sustainability—all while preserving our city’s unique character and charm. Together, we can create a more connected and vibrant community.

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

What sets me apart from other candidates is a unique combination of personal connection, diverse experience, and professional expertise. As a wife, mother, and small business owner, I have firsthand insight into the aspirations and challenges faced by our city’s residents. My roles on the School Board, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and involvement with the Fairfax Rotary Club, along with my tireless volunteering, have deepened my understanding of our community’s diverse needs. Professionally, my background in accounting and finance provides me with a sharp eye for detail and a strong grasp of fiscal responsibility, essential for making informed decisions. Additionally, growing up as a military brat has given me a broad perspective and the ability to relate to people from various backgrounds, allowing me to approach issues from multiple viewpoints. This blend of financial acumen, personal experience, and a commitment to inclusivity enables me to address our city’s challenges with a well-rounded, empathetic approach.

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

I think every leader and board brings something valuable to the table, and there's always room for improvement. My goal is to focus on how I can positively contribute and work alongside others to make our community even better. I see opportunities to enhance engagement and communication, making sure that everyone feels heard and involved. By teaming up and building on what’s already been done, we can tackle our community’s needs together and create an even more vibrant and welcoming city for everyone.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The other issues defining my campaign platform can be found at my website at www.RachelforFairfax.com.

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

My past accomplishments demonstrate my ability to handle this role effectively. Balancing the demands of running a small business while raising an active family and completing my bachelor’s degree while also serving as a city of Fairfax School Board member has honed my multitasking and time-management skills, proving my capability to manage multiple responsibilities successfully.

My involvement with the Rotary Club of Fairfax highlights my leadership and community engagement skills, including spearheading the Dictionary Project, providing free dictionaries for 3rd graders in Fairfax City and creating a comprehensive marketing and public outreach strategy as the Public Image Chair. Additionally, I played a key role in various community projects, such as the Constitution Project and leading the Rotary Club’s participation in the 2023 City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade.

My work with the City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation Advisory Board has been particularly impactful. I contributed to several successful initiatives, including the 2024 North American IDC Smart City Award for Economic Development and the Smart Restrooms Pilot Program. I've also supported numerous park and playground improvements, such as the redevelopment of Thaiss Park and the installation of new equipment at Pat Rodio Park.

On the City of Fairfax School Board, I played a key role in supporting upgrades at Fairfax High School and Katherine Johnson Middle, including field improvements, stadium renovations, and new facilities. My fellow Board members and I secured security officers for elementary schools and worked with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) to enhance school entrance safety through their new vestibule program. We also initiated feasibility studies for all city school facilities and supported teacher excellence via National Board Certification. By prioritizing and securing funding for improvements at Fairfax High School, we ensured they were included in the capital improvement plan. These accomplishments reflect my commitment to community infrastructure and my ability to manage projects effectively. My proven track record in project management, community involvement, and problem-solving positions me well to contribute positively as a city council member

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice I’ve ever received was to listen respectfully, avoid making assumptions, and always stay curious and open to learning. This has really shaped my approach to life and work. By genuinely listening to others and keeping an open mind, I avoid jumping to conclusions and instead embrace new ideas and perspectives. Staying curious not only makes every day exciting but also helps me connect more deeply with people and grow both personally and professionally. It’s a great way to build strong relationships and keep discovering new things!

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

I’d like voters to know how deeply grateful I am to the trailblazing female leaders who have paved the way before me, and to all those who have served our city with dedication and passion. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping our community and setting a high standard of representation. Having had the privilege to serve on the City of Fairfax School Board, I’ve had the honor of making decisions that impact what I believe are our most valuable assets—our students. I bring this same commitment and sense of responsibility to my candidacy for City Council. I hope to earn your vote to continue this important work and make thoughtful, impactful decisions for our city, just as I have done for our schools. To learn more about me and my positions, please visit www.RachelforFairfax.com.

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