FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Politics is a tough profession, but when you’re a candidate without party affiliation – an independent – things can be even tougher.
Mark Gibson is running to unseat incumbent Gerry Connolly, a Democrat who serves Fairfax and Prince William counties in the 11th Congressional Seat.
Gibson lives in Fairfax, and at a community event in August sponsored by PotomacLocal.com, he said he’s doing everything he can to court area voters.
In addition to advertising on this website to promote his campaign he also sends out press releases. One such release Sunday noted he had been excluded form a voter forum of candidates held at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Gibson stated he was disappointed, noted it is a disservice to hold a forum without involving all of the candidates, and that he only found out about the forum after it had occurred.
“As I understand it, all the candidates were mentioned in the introduction. My absence makes it appear that I don’t care enough to attend or send a representative. That’s not the case at all,” stated Gibson.
Gibson has been asked to speak at several community events and at business functions, but he said this marks the first time he’s not been invited to participate in a voter forum with other major candidates – Gerry Connolly, and Republican nominee Chris Perkins.
Forum organizer Daniel Choi sent a letter of apology to Gibson and shared it with PotomacLocal.com:
“The complete list of organizations that organized the 2012 NoVA APA Candidates Forum is on the referenced Facebook page (and other literature printed by these organizations). All are non-partisan nonprofit organizations and none of them endorse any specific parties or candidates. The candidates forum was primarily organized by volunteers without any compensation.”
“Due to logistical issues, we only invited candidates from the two major political parties. Despite our attempts to include all diverse partners and ideas, your email definitely highlights that we could have done better.”
“I will make sure to bring your email to the attention of all organizations that participated in the forum. I will also forward those organizations your campaign website, and campaign websites of all candidates running for the VA Senate, and 8th, 10th, and 11th districts.”
Gibson said many interested voters and media organizations often ask him when debates or forums are scheduled. Five more forums are currently scheduled for candidates for the 11th District, which also include candidates Peter Marchetti, Joe Galdo, Jr, and Christopher DeCarlo.
The forums will take place in Fairfax County at the Dunn Loring community on Sept. 30, Middleridge Civic Association on Oct. 4, at South County High School on Oct. 5, the Korean Coalition for Political Participation on Oct. 6, and Camelot Civic Assn (Oct. 16 or 23).
Recent Stories
A Dumfries woman was struck and killed early Tuesday morning while walking along Interstate 95 in Prince William County.
The University of Mary Washington is mourning the loss of its former president, William M. Anderson Jr., who passed away over the weekend.
The City of Fredericksburg is looking for one lucky student to shine on live TV as a Junior Reporter when FOX 5 DC’s Zip Trip comes to town next month.
The Town of Occoquan is celebrating both a heartfelt farewell and an exciting new beginning.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
