Republican Candidate Dropping Out Of Virginia House Race In Manassas

UPDATE: Stephen Kent, a former Manassas City Council candidate, has announced a write-in campaign for the 20th Virginia House District.

MANASSAS, VA — There is no longer a Republican challenger in a Virginia House of Delegates race in Manassas.

Christopher Stone announced he withdrew from the 20th Virginia House District race due to taking a new job out of state. Prince William Times said that Stone is relocating with his family after losing a government contracting job and finding a new position.

While Stone's name is still on the ballot, the Prince William County Office of Elections and Manassas Park's Voter Registration office provided a notice on its ballots that Stone is no longer in the race.

That leaves incumbent Del. Michelle Maldonado (D-Manassas) unopposed in the race, although there is a write-in option. Maldonado has been in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2022.

The 20th Virginia House District includes the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park as well as a portion of Prince William County. The Virginia Public Access Project labels the district as leaning Democratic.

In the City of Manassas, there are Republican challengers in two local races — Republican Deon Shamberger against Democratic incumbent Commissioner of the Revenue Tim Demeria and Republican Nate Fritzen against Democratic Treasurer Patricia Richie-Folks.

There are several competitive Virginia House races in the Manassas area of Prince William County. In the 21st House District, Del. Josh Thomas (D-Prince William) faces Republican challenger Greg Gorham. In the 22nd House District, Del. Ian Lovejoy (R-Prince William) faces a challenge from former Democratic Del. Elizabeth Guzman. All 100 Virginia House seats are on the ballot in November.

Early voting for the Nov. 4 general election begins on Friday, Sept. 19.