Winner Declared In Democratic Firehouse Primary For Braddock Supervisor

BURKE, VA — Braddock District School Board Member Rachna Sizemore Heizer won the Fairfax County Democratic Committee's fire house primary, with 2,501 votes or 60 percent of the votes cast on the first ballot.

"Tonight, I’m deeply honored and humbled to share that together, we won the special Democratic firehouse primary for Braddock Supervisor," said Sizemore Heizer to a small gathering of supporters that included Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Jeff McKay and Congressman James Walkinshaw. "Your passion, your trust, and your support when we knocked on your doors, called, texted or met you out in the community— that is what made this possible. I thank you."

A total of 3,419 votes were cast over two days of early voting on Thursday and Friday, in-person voting on Saturday, and online voting on Sunday. The Fairfax Democrats decided to extend online voting until 7 p.m. on Sunday after experiencing software issues with the program being used to tally votes on Saturday.

School Board Member Ilryong Moon came in second with 748 votes (21.9 percent), followed by Sabrina Mattin with 460 (13.5 percent), and April Pavis Shroeder with 160 votes (4.7 percent).

With her primary victory, Sizemore Heizer will now face her opponent in the Braddock District supervisor's race, Republican Ken Balbuena, in the Dec. 9 special election.

“This Democratic caucus offered four terrific candidates with years of experience serving the people of the Braddock District and Fairfax County. We are very excited to have given the folks in our community the opportunity to get to know them better,” said Braddock District Democratic Committee Co-Chairs Marguerite Wiese and Rich Weiss, in a release. “We know that Rachna Sizemore Heizer will exemplify our Democratic values and help lead Braddock forward in these challenging times.”

“We thank the 3,409 voters who showed their great enthusiasm for the future of Braddock District and Fairfax County by participating in this caucus,” said FCDC Chair Aaron Yohai, in a release. “We congratulate our Democratic nominee, Rachna Sizemore Heizer, and look forward to a robust campaign for Braddock District and Fairfax County’s future ahead of the December 9th special election.”

When incumbent Supervisor James Walkinshaw (D-Braddock) defeated Republican challenger Stewart Whitson on Sept. 9 to fill the congressional seat held by U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D), who died in May, Walkinshaw's seat on the Fairfax Board of Supervisors became vacant.

Chief Judge Penney S. Azcarate scheduled the special election for Tuesday, Dec. 9, a date that was not fewer than 45 days nor more than 90 days from when the seat became vacant, as specified by the Code of Virginia.

Also See ...

• Voting Extended For Braddock District Democratic Primary
• Fairfax GOP Endorses Candidate In Braddock District Supervisor's Race