Connection Sports

Profession/Experience:

Veteran, business executive.

Education:

BA, West Point; MPhil, Oxford University (Rhodes Scholarship).

Personal/Activities:

Hometown: New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Public Service:

Has served in the House of Delegates since 2022.

Legislative Priorities/Challenges/Solutions:

Priorities: Virginia Democrats are running to grow Virginia’s economy and provide good-paying jobs, lower costs on working people, deliver better schools, and safeguard constitutional rights. Will expand funding for Virginia schools, pass a constitutional amendment protecting abortion access, and expand opportunities to grow the businesses of the future right here in the commonwealth.

https://danhelmer.com/

Hometown

Clifton.

Profession/Experience

Retired Public Service.

Education

MS in Computer Science (Johns Hopkins University); BS in Computer Science with a minor in Mechanical Engineering.

Personal/Activities

High School Lacrosse Coach (Centreville, Westfield, Oakton, Robinson, Lake Braddock), Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader.

Public Service

HOA Vice President.

Legislative Priorities

Reduce tax burdens on constituents. Assure criminals are prosecuted and serve requisite sentences as defined by law. Ensure clear, transparent, and timely accounting of school processes, including proceedings and happenings.

Challenges

There is no single clear challenge. The two competing for top priority are tax relief and school process issues, especially concerning males in female private spaces, including locker rooms and bathrooms, being one of two competing top priorities.

Solutions

Proposes to legislatively remove the personal property tax (car tax) and provide tax relief for seniors. Would legislate that public/school bathrooms and locker rooms be restricted by biological sex determined at birth.

Data Centers

Notes the cantankerous issue; centers require multiple reliable energy sources (fossil fuels/nuclear), noting wind/solar unreliability. Reliable sources are provided by power companies in a monopoly-like environment. Cautions on cost, especially regarding potential huge spikes in energy costs if data center-dependent AI goes bankrupt, citing the Shoreham-Wading River nuclear plant shutdown's ripple effect.

Public Schools Education Funding

To reduce funding burden on our public schools, proposes reducing the number of administrator positions in public schools.

Casinos

Opposes casinos as a viable path for economic development, especially for sustained development, given District 10 is a bedroom community for Washington D.C.

What I Want District Members to Know

Shares George Washington's Farewell Address quote on unity ("Be American, Let there be no sectionalism ..."). Washington urged voters to have unity of purpose and accentuate shared values/principles over differences, poignant for today.

Candidate Website

www.guill4va.com

Profession/Experience:

Senior environmental planner with 34 years of experience in water resources planning.

Education:

BA, Government, College of William and Mary; Master of Public Administration, Virginia Tech.

Personal/Activities:

Very active in Scouts; previously coached youth sports; currently serves on the boards of Brain Injury Services and the City of Fairfax Band Association.

Public Service:

Current member, Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 11 (served 20 years). Former chair, Fairfax County Consumer Protection Commission.

Legislative Priorities/

Challenges/

Solutions:

Legislative Priorities: Focused on world-class public education, protecting natural resources, investing in workforce development, and addressing the housing affordability crisis. Successful initiatives include the Virginia Early Childhood Education Act (HB 1012), the Occoquan Reservoir PFAS Reduction Program (HB 2050), and expanding the Virginia Housing Opportunities Tax Credit Program. Residents’ Biggest Challenge: Dealing with federal budget and workforce reductions going into the 2026 session. Proposed Legislative Solution: The priority is to support those affected by unforeseen unemployment by strengthening unemployment insurance and preventing evictions due to temporary income loss. Essential to expand workforce development initiatives and make targeted investments to diversify the economy. Must maintain a structurally balanced budget and protect the AAA bond rating.

Data Centers:

Data centers are important, but the current pace of development is not sustainable. Must manage facilities to safeguard neighboring communities and avoid shifting electricity costs onto residential ratepayers.

State’s Underfunding of Public Schools:

In the latest session, Bulova secured an increase of $20 million annually for FCPS by eliminating an obsolete funding cap. Committed to advocating for a funding formula that accurately reflects the higher cost of living in Fairfax.

Casinos:

Opposes the development of a casino in Fairfax. Acknowledges them as revenue sources but cites significant social costs (e.g., gambling addiction). Argues local buy-in is essential, and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has not requested a casino. Bypassing local support sets a concerning precedent.

What I Want District Members to Know:

“The most important job is to actively listen and make it easy for constituents to share ideas through the annual town hall, electronic newsletter, and time spent with constituents.”

https://www.davidbulova.com/

Profession/

Experience:

Firearms and self-defense instructor; taught American history, economics, and government principles; worked for nonprofits.

Education:

Bachelor's degree, George Mason University; Master of Divinity, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.

Personal/

Activities:

Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia. Spent 16 years learning about American history, economics, and the proper role of government.

Public Service:

Candidate for House of Delegates, District 11 (Fairfax City and Oakton); running to implement learned principles.

Legislative Priorities/

Challenges/

Solutions:

Legislative Priorities: Reduce taxes and regulations to foster economic growth and ensure the government does not hinder residents' objectives. Residents’ Biggest Challenge: The high cost of living. The core message is, "It's your money! Keep as much of it as possible!" Proposed Legislative Solution: Proposes a hard look at the state budget, considering cuts to taxes and regulations to encourage prosperity and economic growth.

Data Centers:

A local issue to be decided primarily by those most affected. Opposes rising energy prices due to data centers. Local citizens should determine whether a data center should be built, provided environmental concerns are alleviated and a proper energy source is provided.

State’s Underfunding of Public Schools:

Before requesting more funding, the current budget must be analyzed to ensure enormous resources are funding a good education and not being spent inefficiently. A critical budget look will determine if tax dollars are being properly used.

Casinos:

Skeptical that a casino is a good addition to Northern Virginia. Consideration would weigh heavily on the area's cultural and potential criminal implications.

What I Want District Members to Know:

“I want Virginians in the 11th District and across the state to wake up every morning and believe that they can achieve their goals and that the government will not stand in their way. Readers can learn more about me at www.adamwiseforva.com.”

Profession/Experience:

Special Education Teacher; worked as a social worker for two years. Has been an educator for 19 years, with nine years in public education.

Education:

Bachelor’s in Psychology; Master’s degrees in Special Education and Educational Leadership; Specialist degree in Early Childhood Education.

Personal/Activities:

Born and raised in Helena, Arkansas. Daughter recently graduated from Fairfax High School.

Public Service:

Served in the Army Reserves. Much of his career has been dedicated to public benefit (as a social worker and educator).

Legislative Priorities/Challenges/Solutions:

Legislative Priorities: Seek election reforms to reduce tribalism by creating multimember districts using ranked choice voting. Also concerned about redundant student testing. Residents’ Biggest Challenge: Job loss due to federal cuts. Proposed Legislative Solution: Virginia must make up any Medicaid cuts in its budget and initiate a "New Deal." This includes investments in electricity production, public transportation, and infrastructure to create jobs and lower the cost of living. Funding: Replace federal taxes on incomes over $200,000, using the TCJA 2017 tax cuts.

Data Centers:

We must require data centers to invest in renewable energy as part of their agreements, creating green energy jobs and reducing strain on the grid. Mandate transparent Community Benefit Agreements (contributing to local education, infrastructure, and job training). We must also mandate energy efficiency and public reporting, and invest in additional electricity production.

State’s Underfunding of Public Schools:

While some wealth redistribution is reasonable, the current system goes too far and dramatically underestimates the real cost of education in high-cost areas like Fairfax. Outdated metrics lead to higher property taxes, increasing wealth disparity. Proposes updating the state's funding model, such as using a price per student.

Casinos:

The people of Fairfax seem strongly opposed to it. For them, the social costs outweigh the financial benefits. I'm inclined to support the will of the people.

Additional Information:

“We need a change in leadership. We need new people and new ideas. We need office holders willing to work together and compromise to solve our common problems. We need office holders who try to unite our nation. If you would like to send a message that you're tired of partisan tribalism then you should support me and make your voice heard.”

Profession/

Experience:

Retired. Served as Secretary of Transportation and Public Safety.

Education:

University of Michigan, B.A. with honors. First in family to graduate from college.

Hometown:

Annandale

Personal/

Activities:

Named Fairfax Citizen of the Year for 15 years of active involvement.

Public Service:

Delegate, House District 14. Chair of House Finance and the Criminal Law Subcommittee. Current special appointments: House Emergency Committee on Federal Reductions and the Behavioral Health Commission. Past appointments: Select Committee on School Safety and the Veteran Services Board.

Legislative Priorities/

Challenges/

Solutions:

Legislative Priorities: Unchecked federal actions. Keeping a job, the cost of housing, paying student debt, access to health care, and inflation all surface in these voter comments, but most are concerned about attacks on the principles of democracy. Residents' Biggest Challenge: I hear most about unchecked federal actions. Most are concerned about attacks on the principles of democracy. Keeping a job, cost of housing, student debt, health care, and inflation all surface. State issues have been overwhelmed. Proposed Legislative Solution: It'll be extremely difficult to deal with the effect of federal actions on tax revenues. Dealing with all these cuts is crucial, but so is ongoing state funding of K-12 and mental health services. Priorities will compete: health care, education, food aid, unemployment and student debt.

Data Centers:

Data center development is beneficial for tax revenue (Loudoun and Prince William). However, cramming a data center beside Bren Mar townhouses is absolutely the wrong way to go. Since data centers are driving electricity demand (projected to increase as much as 10-fold due to AI, mainly for cooling), they should pay for it through higher consumption rates, as well as committing to pay for the required new transmission infrastructure. Current tax breaks should be shifted to investments data centers make to save energy. Dominion needs to partner in upgrading the current transmission lines.

State’s Underfunding of Public Schools:

The current funding formulas are old and unfair. Two reforms are essential for FCPS: First, provide direct support for staffing for students with disabilities, English language learners, and those who get free and reduced meals because poverty reduces their family's ability to provide basics (including access to internet learning). Second, ensure realistic support for competitive salaries for teachers to offset the high Northern Virginia cost of living, which currently results in less than 3% state support.

Casinos:

A Northern Virginia casino is not justified; it wouldn't attract major outside money and couldn't compete with National Harbor's location and amenities. National Harbor has it locked up due to its river location and 300-acre amenities. The only competition Tysons would win is having the worst traffic. Gambling addiction is a serious social cost that draws revenue from those least able to pay.

What I Want District Members to Know:

“Your vote is your voice. Your community involvement is our strength.”

Profession/Experience:

Currently an English as a Second Language teacher and substitute at Arlington and Alexandria public schools. Was laid off as a loan specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2023. Retired as vice president of finance and accounting at Easy Buy LTD in Thailand. Held roles in sales and events at Marriott International.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cleveland State University.

Personal/Activities:

Hometown: Lincolnia, Virginia. Founded Shuttle Your Customers. Serves as senior adviser for the Harriet Tubman Learning Center in Georgia and as a youth leader at Annandale Church of Jesus Christ, LDS in Virginia. Worked with several nonprofits.

Public Service:

Candidate for Delegate, HD-14.

Legislative Priorities/Challenges/Solutions:

Legislative Priorities: Revisit tax measures, including increases to the gasoline, electricity, car and restaurant taxes. Optimize allocation of the $84 billion state budget for schools. Residents’ Biggest Challenge(s): Jobs and financial insecurity. Proposed Legislative Solution: Sponsor legislation aimed at reducing taxes on gasoline, food, electricity, and vehicles. Increase support for programs that match unemployed individuals with high-skill technology positions.

Data Centers:

Neither the state nor local governments should treat data centers differently from other businesses that comply with applicable law.

State’s Underfunding of Public Schools:

Concerns regarding unequal treatment should be formally presented to the attorney general, as unequal treatment is prohibited. It is essential to ensure every student receives equitable opportunities and resources for academic advancement.

Casinos:

Does not believe casinos are an appropriate vehicle for economic development. Encourages House colleagues to prioritize alternative sectors, such as technology, education, tourism and trade.

What I Want District Members to Know:

Committed to serving as a legislator who represents individuals unable to advocate for themselves. Encourages citizens to prioritize economic considerations. Johnson asserts that it is time for new leadership committed to reversing the incremental tax increases, enabling citizens to foster more prosperous businesses, improved schools, and safer communities.

https://ericjohnson4virginia.org/

Profession/

Experience:

Worked on Capitol Hill (secured funding for disease organizations). Served as director of outreach for a national Parkinson’s nonprofit. Experience includes time as a preschool teacher and a long-term substitute teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Education:

Political Science degree from the University of Georgia.

Personal/Activities:

Lives in Burke with husband Seth and two children, currently in college. Served on the Cherry Run Elementary School PTA for eight years, including two terms as president.

Public Service:

Delegate, House District 15 (since 2023). Former member of the Fairfax County School Board, Springfield District. Serves on the House of Delegates Transportation, Education, and Counties, Cities, and Towns Committees. Councils/Commissions include the Autism Council, Disability Commission, School Health Services Committee, and Addiction and Recovery Council.

Legislative Priorities/Challenges/Solutions:

Legislative Priorities: Addressing the gun violence epidemic, advocating for reproductive rights, and working to improve life for students with disabilities. Passed several bills during the first term, including those making playgrounds legally accessible, protecting students during school emergencies, and increasing college accessibility for students with IEPs and 504 plans. Residents’ Biggest Challenge: Cost-of-living issues, specifically the high cost of housing. More must be done in Fairfax County to increase housing affordability. Proposed Legislative Solution: Solutions must be creative and geared toward increasing the number of affordable and “workforce” housing units. The state must encourage localities to expedite the permitting process, allow more "by right" projects, provide model plans to reduce associated costs, and improve parking requirements, among other measures. Also working with houses of worship on plans to use their land for affordable and senior housing.

Data Centers:

Data centers are a useful economic tool as tax revenue supports education and local services. Cites counties like Loudoun that used this revenue to raise educator salaries and lower property taxes. Localities must be able to specify where data centers are located, including minimum distance from schools/neighborhoods, and require the use of the most up-to-date “clean energy” options. It should require water recycling and movement away from diesel battery backups. Favors creating a new rate class so data centers pay more for their energy consumption, preventing the cost from being borne by residential ratepayers.

State’s Underfunding of Public Schools:

The JLARC report on K-12 education was affirming. Plans, if the majority is retained, include continuing to invest in schools, staff, and students to chip away at 40 years of underfunding and undervaluing public education. Has directly helped by using a per-student funding model (instead of the LCI) for English Language Learners last year and for Special Education this year.

Casinos:

Whether Fairfax County should have a casino should be decided by the voters and the Board of Supervisors. Fairfax County must figure out how to close the huge revenue deficit left by the commercial real estate crash. Many counties have used data centers, casinos, and entertainment venues to close this gap. Increasing property taxes is unacceptable, as it harms seniors and lower-income residents.

What I Want District Members to Know:

“Every day I talk to my constituents and every single time they bring up cost of living issues. More specifically, the high cost of housing here. We know we need to do more in Fairfax County to make housing more affordable.”

Profession/Experience:

Director of a secure memory care unit in a nursing home; served in leadership roles in military spouse organizations, including vice president, secretary, and family events coordinator; president of the Manassas MOM’s Club; team mom for children’s sports.

Education:

Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, Colorado State University (1992); dual master’s degrees in Health Care Administration and Gerontology, University of Southern California (1996).

Personal/Activities:

Lived in Burke, Virginia, for more than 13 years; mother of three sons.

Public Service:

Deeply involved in education and parental rights advocacy; previously ran for an at-large seat on the Fairfax County School Board. Serves on the Virginia Public Guardian and Conservator Advisory Board.

Legislative Priorities/Challenges/ Solutions:

Legislative Priorities: To repeal Virginia’s unfair car tax. Will work with any legislators, regardless of party, including Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears. Residents’ Biggest Challenge: High property taxes, as evidenced by talking with thousands of residents. Car tax revenue goes into the county’s general fund, where Democratic officials have shown little fiscal responsibility. Proposed Legislative Solution: Will sponsor a bill to repeal the car tax to give families relief, noting Virginia is running a surplus.

Data Centers:

Need a balanced, conservative approach that protects neighborhoods, farmland, and the environment without driving business away. Requires common-sense regulation, locating them where infrastructure can handle the demand, and encouraging investment in energy-efficient technology. Advocates for nuclear and natural gas to keep energy reliable and independent to prevent blackouts or higher bills.

State’s Underfunding of Public Schools:

Fairfax County Public Schools doesn’t have a funding problem; it has a spending problem, as the JLARC study shows FCPS receives more than its fair share. Despite declining enrollment in the $4 billion system, there is waste and misplaced priorities. The top priority is demanding a full, independent financial and performance audit to restore accountability. Will push for fiscal discipline and ensure taxpayer dollars go toward teachers, students, and classrooms.

Casinos:

Do not believe a casino is a viable or responsible path to economic development. Voters are concerned about traffic, crime, and the impact on families/small businesses. The potential social costs (addiction, financial hardship, strain on local services) far outweigh any short-term financial benefit. Prefers growing the economy through smart fiscal management, lower taxes, and support for local entrepreneurs.

Additional Information:

“I believe diversity of thought among elected officials is essential, especially in a county where all but one elected official is a Democrat. I do not think local Democrats allow moderation or moderate candidates through their primaries, leaving political and ideological radicals in office. Diverse perspectives must be heard and considered when making decisions that impact our community.”

https://davisfordelegate.org/

Profession/Experience:

Served as Congressman Jim Moran’s first immigration constituent service staffer and legislative aide for eight years. Was the first executive director of Running Strong for American Indian Youth (1998). Has been the chief counsel and vice president for Christian Relief Services Charities, Inc. since 1999, managing a humanitarian organization.

Education:

BA degree from the University of Virginia. JD degree from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.

Personal/Activities:

Raised a family in the 16th District. (Also noted: Grew up, lives, and works in the 16th District — Mount Vernon area, Fairfax County).

Public Service:

Delegate, HD-16 (since 2016). Serves on the Privileges and Elections, General Laws, Appropriations, and Agriculture, Chesapeake, and Natural Resources Committees. Chairs the Appropriations – Transportation and Public Safety Subcommittee, the General Laws – ABC/Gaming Subcommittee, and the Privileges and Elections – Gubernatorial Appointments Subcommittee.

Legislative Priorities/Challenges/Solutions:

Legislative Priorities: Legislation is introduced directly in response to constituents' needs. A priority is protecting families in mobile home parks (e.g., Audubon Estates, Woodley Hills), which provide naturally occurring affordable housing. Worked for over five years in a bipartisan manner to increase tenant rights and preserve these. A top priority for the upcoming session is establishing a safe, well-regulated adult-use retail cannabis market in Virginia. Legalization must include a framework that prioritizes public health, ensures equity, and generates revenue for reinvestment in historically harmed communities. 

Data Centers:

Data centers are essential infrastructure but present trade-offs: high energy consumption, strain on utilities, and impacts on communities (noise, land use, environmental degradation). Advocates for stronger oversight through work on the Major Employment and Investment (MEI) Commission. While these are major economic drivers, local zoning must remain key to guiding growth and ensuring appropriate placement without burdening infrastructure or neighborhoods.

State’s Underfunding of Public Schools:

Fully funding Fairfax County’s public schools is a top priority. This year, House Democrats secured a historic $784.7 million increase in K–12 funding statewide, which will directly benefit local schools.

Casinos:

Opposes any expansion of gaming until the bill to create a Virginia Gaming Commission, to streamline oversight and accountability, is passed.

What I Want District Members to Know:

“Here in Fairfax, we must pair growth with smart investment in green energy and resilient infrastructure so that our economy and environment can thrive together.”

https://www.paulkrizek.com/

Profession/Experience:

Attorney.

Education:

Juris Doctor.

Personal/Activities:

Member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5998 for over 20 years. Currently serves as president of the Mount Vernon Columbus Club, Inc., a nonprofit corporation; past Scoutmaster in Troop 996/Aldersgate Methodist Church; past VP Bucknell Little League.

Legislative Priorities/Challenges/Solutions:

Legislative Priorities: Plan to lower taxes, keep communities safe, and give every child a chance at a quality education. Also supports parents' right to vouchers for private education if public schools fail. Residents’ Biggest Challenge: Taxes and the cost of living in Fairfax County; voters also want to feel safe from crime and repeat offenders. Proposed Legislative Solution: Will sponsor a bill to remove the car tax once and for all. Revenue losses can be offset by cutting expenses in other areas and by attracting new businesses to expand the commercial tax base.

Data Centers:

Data centers are an important part of the state economy, creating jobs and adding to the tax base. Better planning will mitigate community impact and disruption. Calls the Virginia Clean Energy Act (VCEA) a cause for energy crisis and advocates exiting the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Proposes building more natural gas plants, stating wind and solar are not sustainable.

State’s Underfunding of Public Schools:

Education on the K-12 level has to be opened up to competition, such as charter schools and vouchers. Home schooling needs to be supported.

Casinos:

Casinos serve themselves and are a lazy fix to any revenue shortfall.

What I Want District Members to Know:

“Mount Vernon needs a fresh voice in Richmond. I will put money back into residents’ pockets, not take it out, and be a good and faithful steward of our financial and environmental resources. I am not beholden to special interests and will better represent your needs and concerns. A vote for Hayden is a vote for a better future in Virginia.”

https://www.haydenforva.com/

Profession/Experience:

Licensed professional engineer; U.S. Navy veteran.

Education:

Engineering degree, Marquette University (ROTC scholarship); Master's in Environmental Engineering, Old Dominion University.

Personal/Activities:

Hometown: Wisconsin. Lifelong runner and triathlete; wife and mother of four — two college-aged daughters, two stepsons.

Public Service:

Lifelong law-abiding citizen and taxpayer.

Legislative Priorities/Challenges/Solutions:

Legislative Priorities: Strengthen families, restore common sense and protect freedoms. Focus includes parental rights in education, cutting taxes, enforcing immigration law, and securing elections (photo ID, no early voting or drop boxes). Residents’ Biggest Challenge: Residents feel unheard and misinformed, and are distracted by media narratives on issues such as school quality, the cost of living, and trust in government. The focus is on protecting children's education and restoring common-sense leadership. Proposed Legislative Solution: Propose a Parents' Bill of Rights Act to protect the fundamental role of parents in their children's education and health care. Legislation mandates explicit parental consent for minors' medical, mental health, or gender counseling, and requires school transparency on curriculum and records. Policy requires no new funding, utilizing existing budgets by prioritizing parental engagement over bureaucracy.

Data Centers:

Require any company building a data center to develop its own dedicated energy source, ensuring local residents are not burdened by higher costs or reduced power. This allows communities to benefit from economic growth and job creation while protecting families and small businesses from the strain on the grid.

State’s Underfunding of Public Schools:

Advocate to ensure Fairfax County receives its "fair share of state funds" based on student needs. Would refocus FCPS funding on academics by eliminating non-core programs and redirecting funds to instruction in reading, writing, math, civics, and history.

Casinos:

Casinos are a terrible idea for Fairfax County, bringing increased traffic, crime, addiction, and family instability. They exploit vulnerable residents and divert money from local businesses. Fairfax County should instead focus on attracting high-quality employers, supporting entrepreneurs, and investing in education.

What I Want District Members to Know:

“I filled out a detailed survey on Ballotpedia.” https://ballotpedia.org/ShellyArnoldi

Profession/Experience:

Member, Virginia House of Delegates (current Majority Caucus Chair). Public servant delegate. Prior work experience: U.S. Department of Labor (national workforce policy) and National Immigration Forum (immigrant workforce advocacy). Wife and a mom to five children.

Education:

B.A., History, Duke University; M.S.W. (Master of Social Work), University of Michigan.

Hometown:

West Springfield (Fairfax County).

Public Service:

Serving in the Virginia House of Delegates for 8 years (previously the 42nd, now the 18th District). Focus is on ensuring families have resources and opportunities, informed by her experience as a boat refugee. Prior work included national workforce policy at the U.S. Department of Labor and immigrant workforce advocacy at the National Immigration Forum.

Legislative Priorities/Challenges/Solutions:

Priorities are making life more affordable for families and ensuring access to world-class public education. Challenges include rising costs (groceries, rent, childcare, health care) and financial stress on federal families/contractors due to cuts/shutdowns. Solutions include expanding affordable housing, childcare, and health care, while investing in public education and raising teacher pay.

Data Centers:

Concerns include increased electricity bills and data centers being built too close to schools, neighborhoods, and historic sites. They must pay their fair share for electricity and infrastructure. Advocates for data centers to implement green energy solutions (such as solar panels) and calls for a deeper understanding of their impact on water, farmland, natural resources, and neighborhoods.

Public School Underfunding:

Committed to fully funding schools and raising teacher pay to the national average. Supported historic investments in early childhood/public education, dedicated funding for special education and English learners, and eliminated the cap on support staff to meet all student needs.

Casinos:

Opposed Senate Bill 982 (2025 session) for a proposed casino/ entertainment district in Tysons Corner, citing a lack of broad public and local government support. Believes community-changing development requires careful local review and a transparent/rigorous bidding process.

Call to Action:

"I encourage everyone to exercise your right to vote and choose your representation in Richmond. Thank you for voting!"

Website:

kathyfordelegate.com

Profession/Experience:

Retired federal employee.

Education:

Master's degree in public and international affairs.

Personal/Activities:

Moved with family to Springfield in 1993 for excellent schools, balanced government and opportunities.

Public Service:

Serving a second term on HOA board.

Legislative Priorities/Challenges/Solutions:

Legislative Priorities: Axe the car tax (argues it reduces car sales and leaves older cars on the road). Calls for a full audit of Fairfax County's billions of tax dollars spent, noting that education dollars are not in the classroom and that top county officials receive excellent pay while workers/teachers do not. Residents’ Biggest Challenge: Affordability, due to ever-increasing taxes. Residents feel the schools are demonstrably worse (with favoritism for a small group) and do not feel safe. Proposed Legislative Solution: A full audit of Fairfax County tax dollars is necessary. The state is reluctant to send money to Fairfax, and the "Return on the Dollar" from Richmond has decreased as one-party rule increases. The real solution is a return to balance; taxpayers need both parties represented to watch each other.

Data Centers:

Energy and data center demand are growing, and current plans (RGGI and Green Energy) are overwhelmed. Calls for new, flexible plans using an "all of the above" approach. Innovation is vital; colleges should focus on solutions so data centers do not continue using the same amount of space/energy or producing the same noise levels.

State’s Underfunding of Public Schools:

Fairfax County is at a disadvantage, but current officeholders are not delivering results due to rigid adherence to an insular education establishment and an unwillingness to work across the aisle. The solution is to replace the people who caused the problem.

Casinos:

Most people don't want casinos, but one will likely be built unless there is political balance. Notes that several Democrats take large donations from the gaming industry. Fairfax County does not need a casino for economic development.

What I Want District Members to Know:

Fairfax County is now run by big special interest donors. Will work to bring real solutions by fighting for affordable energy, supporting families, and for a government that answers to voters, not special interests. Believes one-party rule is stifling diverse opinions and failing to keep pace with change. “One party rule is suffocating diverse opinions and not keeping up with change. Please look at McgovernForDelegate.org  and I ask for your vote for Delegate in the 18th District.”