Former Alexandria City Councilmember Enters 8th District Congressional Race

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A former Alexandria City Council member will seek to re-enter politics with a run at the eighth congressional district seat.

Former Alexandria City Councilmember Mohamed "Mo" Seifeldein announced a campaign for the eighth congressional district in 2026. According to a campaign announcement for fundraising, Seifeldein recently resigned from his attorney position at the U.S. Department of Labor in protest of Trump administration policies and to run for Congress.

"With our country at a crossroads, Mo is running for Congress to bring change and a fighting spirit to Virginia’s 8th District," the campaign announcement said. "He’s pushing for commonsense policies supported by the majority of Americans; policies that make doctors, housing, and groceries more affordable and accessible for all."

The son of Sudanese refugees, Seifeldein previously served on Alexandria City Council from 2019 to 2021, becoming the first Muslim and Sudanese American in that position. According to ALX Now, he had intended to run for mayor in 2021 but faced Hatch Act restrictions on partisan activities by federal employees due to his Department of Labor position. Before the federal job, Seifeldein worked as a court-appointed attorney, volunteered with local legal aid, mentored students in underserved communities, and served on nonprofit boards working on healthcare access in Sudan.

The next eighth congressional district election happens in 2026, giving current Rep. Don Beyer (D-Alexandria) another challenger. Frank Ferreira is also running as a Democrat, and Republicans Heerak Christian Kim and Tony Sabio have announced campaigns.

Virginia's 2026 primary would happen on June 16, 2026, and the general election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.