The announcement marks a planned transition for City Hall leadership in the independent city in Prince William County.
Key Takeaways
- Date, time, place: Feb. 9, 2026, Manassas
- What happened: Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger announced she will leave office at the end of her term on Dec. 31, 2026.
- Why it matters: The decision sets a clear timeline for leadership transition in Manassas following years of historic electoral wins and major downtown redevelopment efforts.
- Who drove the news: Michelle Davis-Younger, Mayor of Manassas.
Full Coverage
Davis-Younger said her decision to step down reflects self-imposed term limits and a focus on continuity rather than an early departure from public service.
“Self-imposed term limits are not a sign of being a quitter,” Davis-Younger said during her announcement. “This city will be sustained by the next generation of leaders.”
She emphasized that she plans to remain fully engaged through the end of her term. “I don’t intend to coast — I intend to finish,” she said.
Davis-Younger was first elected to the Manassas City Council in 2018, becoming the first African-American elected to that body. Two years later, voters elected her mayor, making her the first woman, first African-American, and first Democrat to hold the office.
She won re-election in 2024, defeating Republican challenger Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom and securing a majority of the vote during a highly polarized local election cycle.
Her tenure has included several major economic development initiatives in downtown Manassas. In 2023, the city, through the Manassas Economic Development Authority, purchased the Olde Towne Inn property, a long-identified redevelopment site.
The acquisition allowed the city to guide redevelopment plans rather than rely solely on private proposals. The site was later cleared and incorporated into a broader downtown strategy that includes a proposed hotel, a structured public parking garage, and potential mixed-use development through a public-private partnership.
During interim periods, the site has been used for expanded public parking to support Old Town businesses and city events.
Davis-Younger has consistently framed her leadership around representation, civic engagement, and long-term planning. She has highlighted youth involvement in government and the importance of succession planning as part of her governing approach.
Her 2024 campaign drew criticism for strained relationships with some local media, including this outlet, and lingering controversy over leaked or referenced text messages among local officials, sometimes referred to as “text-gate,” which led to the resignation of Ross Snare, who was serving as the city’s airport commission chairman, and now sits as head of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Despite the disputes, voters returned her to office.
In closing her announcement, Davis-Younger thanked residents and reiterated her commitment to serve through her final day. “I will be fully present for my last day of service,” she said. “Thank you, Manassas. It has been the honor and privilege of my life to serve you.”
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Potomac Local News editors for accuracy and clarity.
