The Manassas & Manassas Park Cities Democratic Committee has publicly backed a slate of candidates that includes two Manassas City School Board hopefuls whose records have drawn scrutiny, but neither the committee nor the candidates responded to detailed questions about those issues.
A graphic circulated by the committee under the heading “Our Democratic Ticket” lists Murina V. Dove and Marcus Still among its endorsed candidates for the Manassas City School Board, alongside incumbent Lisa Stevens. Early voting begins September 18 and the general election is November 3. The race is officially nonpartisan.
Potomac Local News emailed the committee, Dove and Still on August 21 seeking comment and set a 5 p.m. deadline the same day. No responses were received.
Questions posed to the committee
The committee was asked whether the graphic constitutes a formal endorsement, what process and criteria were used, whether it was aware of Dove’s Facebook posts from 2024 to early 2026, whether those posts were reviewed during the endorsement process, and whether it stands by the endorsement in light of them. The committee was also reminded that identical questions sent in July went unanswered.
Questions posed to Murina Dove
Dove was asked about her background and motivation for running, the status of her Democratic endorsement effort, whether a series of Facebook posts she shared reflect her current views, her position on the separation of church and state in public schools, how her personal religious beliefs would influence curriculum or policy decisions if elected, and how she would represent students and families of differing beliefs.
Those posts, previously reported by Potomac Local on July 27, include shares supporting prayer and “putting God back” in schools, a graphic rejecting “false evolution” (depicted as ape-to-man) in favor of a biblical narrative framed around sin and the cross, affirmations that marriage is “one man and one woman” in God’s eyes, and statements that cultural opinion does not override what the Bible calls sin.
Questions posed to Marcus Still
Still was asked for comment on a TikTok and Facebook video posted by his partner, Michael Gramajo, a family liaison at Baldwin Elementary School. In the video, Gramajo alleged that sitting School Board Member Sara Brescia contacted or visited him at school after learning Still was a candidate, circulated an older photo of Still, and referenced personal details. Two formal written complaints followed and were cited in a subsequent request for an investigation of Brescia.
Still was also asked about the sequence that followed: Board Member Diana Brown’s August 6 email to Superintendent Kevin Newman requesting a full investigation, the alleged electronic and telephonic vote by a majority of the board, and the alleged secret vote lawsuit (Brescia’s petition for a writ of mandamus, now set for hearing September 24) in which she challenges that vote as a violation of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Comment was previously sought from Still and Gramajo with no response.
Background
Dove, Still and Stevens held a joint campaign launch in July while seeking the Democratic endorsement. The committee’s ticket graphic also lists candidates for U.S. Senate, the 10th Congressional District, the 20th House of Delegates District, Manassas Park City Council and Manassas City Council.
Brescia has framed the investigation request and subsequent board action as politically motivated. A prior internal police review of related claims involving candidate information was determined to be unfounded. The school division has said it is reviewing the matters while focusing on the start of the school year. Only one board member, Dayna-Marie Miles, has provided a substantive on-the-record statement about the process.
Potomac Local will update this story if the committee or candidates respond.
