Sickles Named Secretary Of Finance, Leaving VA House Seat Open

FRANCONIA, VA — A delegate representing an area just outside the City of Alexandria has been appointed to a key role with Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger's administration.

Del. Mark Sickles (D-Fairfax) was appointed as secretary of finance, the governor-elect announced Tuesday. The agency oversees key functions like budget development under the Department of Planning and Budget, the Department of Taxation, the Department of the Treasury, managing accounting and payroll and more.

“I look forward to assisting Governor Spanberger as she works to make life in Virginia more affordable. We simply must achieve results for our families, young people, and seniors by building a budget that reflects our values and reduces the cost of living,” said Sickles in a statement. “We need to make sure every tax dollar is employed to its greatest effect for hard-working Virginians to keep tuition low, to build more affordable housing, to ensure teachers are properly rewarded for their work, and to make quality healthcare available and affordable for everyone.”

Sickles has represented part of southeastern Fairfax County for 22 years and has served on or chaired the Virginia House Health and Human Services Committee since 2004. He was appointed to the Appropriations Committee in 2014 and currently chairs the Health and Human Resources Subcommittee. Sickles was appointed to the House-Senate budget conference committee in 2018 and was reappointed to represent the House's budget position by Speakers Eileen Filler-Corn, Todd Gilbert and Don Scott in the following years.

Sickles also chairs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission and serves on the Major Employment Investment Commission, the Joint Commission on Health Care, the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Revenue Estimates, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, the Select Committee on Advancing Rural and Small Town Health Care and Rules Committee and the Privileges and Elections Committee.

“The Secretary of Finance plays an essential role in guaranteeing Virginia’s long-term economic strength, safeguarding taxpayer dollars, and addressing the challenges facing Virginia communities,” said Spanberger in a statement. “As the Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Delegate Sickles has years of experience working with both Democrats and Republicans to pass commonsense budgets that have offered tax relief for families and helped Virginia’s economy grow. He not only has the deep knowledge required to successfully manage our Commonwealth’s finances, but shares my commitment to fiscal responsibility and ensuring Virginians’ tax dollars are put to the best possible use.”

Sickles's appointment would mean a vacancy for the 17th House District, which includes communities like Franconia, Kingstowne, Huntington, Hayfield and part of Springfield south of the City of Alexandria and east of Interstate 95.

A special election has not yet been announced by Speaker Don Scott. The Virginia Public Access Project labels the district as strong Democratic.

Other delegates appointed to Spanberger's administration have prompted special elections. Del. David Bulova was appointed as secretary of natural and historic resources, setting up a special election in the 11th House District. Del. Candi Mundon King was appointed as secretary of the commonwealth, leaving the 23rd House District open for a special election. Both special elections were set for Jan. 13, 2026.

SEE ALSO:

• Winner Named In 11th House District Firehouse Primary`
• Prince William Co. Supervisor Wins Democratic Nomination In Caucus For VA House Seat