Retired Federal Employee, Library Trustee Enters 17th House District Race

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — After a special election was called for the 17th House District Wednesday, a candidate has already announced a bid for the seat.

Russell Brooks, a retired U.S. Department of State employee and current Fairfax County Public Library trustee, is running for the 17th House District seat. The 17th House District includes communities like Franconia, Kingstowne, Huntington, Hayfield and part of Springfield south of the City of Alexandria and east of Interstate 95. Speaker Don Scott announced a special election will take place on Jan. 20, 2026 after Del. Mark Sickles was appointed as Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger's secretary of finance.

Brooks has also been a Democratic organizer, chair of the Northern Virginia Democratic Black Caucus and precinct captain. Brooks praised Sickles for his long service to the district and promised to continue that work.

"In the House of Delegates, I will continue to bring a practical, solutions-focused approach rooted in a lifetime of public service and local involvement," Brooks said in a campaign announcement. "I look forward to listening to neighbors across the district, sharing my vision for Fairfax's future, and earning your trust and your vote."

Brooks will seek the Democratic nomination through a firehouse primary that will be held if multiple Democratic candidates run. The Virginia Public Access Project labels the district as strong Democratic.