The Prince William County Democratic Committee and the Stafford Democratic Committee will hold an unassembled caucus on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, to select the Democratic nominee for the 23rd District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.
Voting will take place from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at two locations: the Dumfries Community Center, 17757 Main St. in Prince William County, and Porter Branch Library, Room 3, 2001 Parkway Blvd. in Stafford County.
“I won the First District and the Second District in November without any sort of redistricting,” Virginia Scope reported. Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger said in response to questions about redrawing Virginia’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterms. “Nothing happens unless the people actually vote for it,” she added, underscoring that any change would require voter approval.
Be a Local in the Know. Get All the News & Fewer Ads. Since 2010, Potomac Local News has produced honest, trusted local news reporting. Please become a member today for 100% access, and support community journalism.
“I am announcing my candidacy for the 23rd District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates,” Prince William Times reported. “This special election is an opportunity to continue delivering for our community in Richmond.”
Franklin, 39, who currently serves her second term as the Woodbridge District representative on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, formally entered the race Thursday to succeed Del. Candi King, who Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger selected to serve as secretary of the commonwealth. The date for the resulting special election has not yet been set, and Franklin is the first candidate to declare her bid for the seat officially. King’s appointment created the vacancy in the 23rd District in Prince William and Stafford counties.
“The Secretary of the Commonwealth plays a vital role in ensuring that the Office of the Governor is responsive to the needs of Virginians, and I’m proud to announce the appointment of Delegate Candi Mundon King to serve in this role,” Virginia Scope reported. “Throughout her career, Delegate Mundon King has worked to bring people together to get results for the people of Virginia, and she has demonstrated dedication, courage, and a commitment to delivering on the promise of our commonwealth.”
Mundon King, first elected in 2021 to represent parts of Prince William and Stafford counties, currently chairs the House Committee on Counties, Cities, and Towns and serves on committees for Public Safety and Labor and Commerce. Her appointment will require her to step down from the House, triggering a special election to fill her seat.
“After 56 years in law enforcement—and 13 years serving as your Sheriff—I will be retiring at the end of my current term. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve the citizens of Spotsylvania County and to work alongside the dedicated men and women of this office,” Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office announced. “As I look toward the future of our agency and our community, I am proud to endorse Lieutenant Colonel Delbert Myrick as the next Sheriff of Spotsylvania County in the 2028 election. His leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public service make him the right choice to continue moving this office forward.”
“Lieutenant Colonel Myrick began his law enforcement career in 2002. Since that time, he has earned a Master’s Degree, graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy, and completed the National Tactical Officers Command College.”
Virginia Sen. Mark Peake will step down as Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia at the end of the year, announcing his resignation after the GOP suffered a bruising statewide defeat in the 2025 general election.
Peake, a state senator who has also served as chairman since mid-2023, said he decided after “reflection, prayer, and conversations with my family,” and cited the upcoming 2026 redistricting referendum and a full legislative calendar as reasons the party needs new leadership.
“Governor-elect Spanberger believes the number-one job of the Governor of Virginia is to strengthen the Commonwealth’s economy and attract new jobs,” a spokesperson for Spanberger wrote, Virginia Scope reported. “As she made clear on the campaign trail, she does not support repealing the current statute.”
“We’re grateful for the prioritization of Paid Family and Medical Leave for the 2026 General Assembly session,” Virginia Scope reported. “Virginians need the certainty of a paycheck more than ever amid skyrocketing costs, and no one should have to forgo a paycheck just to care for a loved one or a new baby.”
“Virginians elected the largest House Democratic Majority in nearly four decades because they trust us to fight for them and deliver real results,” the publication reported. “These first bills honor that trust. Our agenda is focused on lowering costs, lifting wages, expanding opportunity, protecting Virginians’ rights, and ensuring fair representation.”
“He doesn’t believe Northern Virginia even matters. They don’t vote for him anyway, so why even matter and come out in Northern Virginia?” a Facebook Reel stated. “Northern Virginia doesn’t vote for us anyway, so we’re not that concerned about it.”
Loudoun County Republican Committee Chairman Scott Pio’s comments were directed at the Republican Party of Virginia leader Mark Peake, referencing Peek’s Election Day remarks minimizing the impact of the government shutdown and suggesting Northern Virginia was not a political priority. Pio argued the statements show a disregard for a major region of the state and used the clip as part of his call for broader leadership resignations within the party.
