City Council, Mayoral Choices Cast In Alexandria Dems Straw Poll

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria Democrats conducted a straw poll of members Sunday to make a prediction of Democratic primary winners for City Council and mayor.

The straw poll is an unscientific vote of Alexandria Democrats members. Alyia Gaskins won the straw poll for mayor over Vice Mayor Amy Jackson and Steven Peterson. The six top choices for City Council were John Taylor Chapman and Kirk McPike (tied for first), Sarah Bagley, Canek Aguirre, James Lewis and Jesse O'Connell.

Other candidates for City Council are Alexandria School Board members Abdel Elnoubi and Jacinta Greene, Kevin Harris, Jonathan Huskey and Charlotte Scherer. Celianna Gunderson has filed to run as a Republican.

In the 2021 city election, the straw poll chose candidates that would go on to be the winners in both primary and general elections — Justin Wilson for mayor, and Alyia Gaskins, John Taylor Chapman, Canek Aguirre, Kirk McPike, Amy Jackson and Sarah Bagley for City Council. Democratic candidates who win primaries have a strong chance of winning the general election too in the largely blue city.

The Democratic primary election will happen on Tuesday, June 18. In-person early voting will begin on May 3 and continue through June 15. The voter registration deadline will be May 28, although same-day registration is available to cast a provisional ballot. Mail-in ballots may be requested by June 7.

More information about the upcoming primary will be shared at www.alexandriava.gov/Elections.