Candice Bennett, a small business owner, has announced her candidacy for the Mt. Vernon District Supervisor seat. Bennett is hoping to take over the seat from the long time incumbent Gerry Hyland, who has held the office since 1988.
She received her Master’s degree in security policy studies from George Washington University. Bennett is a graduate of the Sorensen Campaign Training Program, Leadership Fairfax and the Tuck Executive Education program at Dartmouth, according to a release.
Bennett currently operates a consulting firm in Lorton and was previous a director at Penn, Schoen and Berland – a well-known Democratic polling firm in Washington D.C. During her time at the polling firm, she worked with several elected officials including Senator Tim Kaine.
Additionally, Bennett has served as president of the Junior League of Northern Virginia, and as a member of the Women Presidents’ Education Organization, Leadership Fairfax, the Women Presidents’ Organization, American Marketing Association and the Marketing Research Association. She has served on the National Committee of the National Council of the National Museum of American History, the Friends of the National Zoo, and the James Smithson Society.
During her candidacy, Bennett is looking to address education, affordable housing, and economic development, along with several other Democratically supported issues.
“As I’ve lived in the district, I’ve become familiar with many of the key issues facing our community. As supervisor, my priorities would include education; affordable housing, especially for seniors; ensuring that the Lorton landfill fulfills its promise to open a 250-acre park; economic development and jobs; and transportation. All of these issues are critical to ensuring that the Mt. Vernon District and Fairfax County as a whole continue to thrive,” said Bennett in a release.
According to Bennett, her desire to run for the position was motivated by her work as a business and volunteer in the community.
“I am running for Mt. Vernon District Supervisor because I am passionate about improving our community. Over the past few years, I’ve served in a business and volunteer capacity, and I believe now is the time to take the next step to really make a difference for our district. I look forward to earning the vote of my fellow residents of the Mt. Vernon district,” Bennett said in a release.
Bennett lives in Lorton with her husband, an Iraqi War veteran.
