Politics - Page 7 of 182 - Potomac Local News

Tara Durant Launches Bid to Unseat Eugene Vindman in Virginia’s 7th District

Published June 20, 2025 at 9:00AM

Delegate Tara Durant (R-Fredericksburg, Stafford)

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Virginia State Senator Tara Durant (R) announced her campaign for Congress on June 18, 2025, setting up a high-stakes showdown with incumbent Rep. Eugene Vindman (D) in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District.

“As a mom, Marine wife, and conservative fighter, I’ve spent my life standing up for faith, family, and freedom,” Durant said in her announcement. “As a State Senator, I partnered with Governor Glenn Youngkin to cut taxes, back the blue, and fight back against the far-left agenda. Now I’m running for Congress to take that same fight to Washington and work with President Trump to secure our border, fully fund our police, end the reckless spending, and restore common-sense leadership.”

After Forum No-Shows, Gorham Clinches GOP Nod in Delegate Race

By Uriah Kiser

Published June 18, 2025 at 9:03AM

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Republican Gregory Lee Gorham won the GOP nomination for Virginia’s 21st House District on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, defeating two challengers in a three-way primary and setting up a November contest against incumbent Democrat Josh Thomas.

Gorham won 66.35% of the vote with 970 ballots cast in his favor. Sahar Smith finished second with 395 votes (27.02%), and Xanthe Larsen placed third with 97 votes (6.63%).

Table for None: GOP Told to Leave Wegmans Café

By Potomac Local News

Published June 10, 2025 at 7:30AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – A political postcard-writing session hosted by the Fredericksburg Republican Committee at Wegmans ended prematurely on Sunday, June 8, after store staff asked the group to leave, citing company policy.

According to a statement released by Fredericksburg GOP Chair Scott Vezina, several members of the committee gathered at the 2nd-floor market café in the Fredericksburg Wegmans to eat, socialize, and write postcards in support of Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Sears. Vezina said a Wegmans employee had given verbal approval beforehand, provided the group remained non-disruptive and refrained from soliciting.

Record-Breaking GOP Dinner Followed by Vega’s $100K PAC Launch

By Potomac Local News

Published May 27, 2025 at 9:00AM | Updated May 27, 2025 at 2:40PM

Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega highlights Republican leadership diversity and her historic election win during her speech at the Lincoln Reagan Dinner. [Photo: Alan Gloss]

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – The Prince William County Republican Committee’s annual Lincoln-Reagan Dinner on May 3, 2025, shattered records for both attendance and fundraising, pulling in $70,000 and netting over $40,000. According to a press release, held near Manassas, the sold-out event drew strong support from the local business community and showcased the party’s growing diversity.

Lieutenant Governor and Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle Sears headlined the evening alongside Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts. Prince William County Supervisor Yesli Vega also addressed the crowd, praising the diverse turnout and emphasizing the party’s evolving makeup. “The diversity of the attendees demonstrates the growth of the modern Republican party in this county and the country,” said PWCRC Chairman Jacob Alderman.

Gerry Connolly, Longtime Northern Virginia Congressman, Has Died

By Potomac Local News

Published May 21, 2025 at 8:47AM

Connolly

FAIRFAX, Va. – Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, a veteran Northern Virginia lawmaker known for his decades of public service and deep ties to the region, died peacefully at his home this morning, surrounded by family, according to a statement released by his loved ones.

“It is with immense sadness that we share that our devoted and loving father, husband, brother, friend, and public servant, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, passed away peacefully at his home this morning surrounded by family,” the statement read.

Early Voting Kicks Off in Virginia Lt. Governor Race—Lateef Doubles Down on Anti-Casino Stance

By Potomac Local News

Published May 2, 2025 at 10:00AM

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Early voting is now underway in Virginia’s Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor, and one Northern Virginia candidate is making a bold stand on gambling.

Prince William County School Board Chairman Dr. Babur Lateef, one of five Democrats seeking the nomination, is campaigning hard against proposals to expand casino gambling in the state—particularly a push to build a casino in Tysons Corner. He argues that Virginia, which has operated with budget surpluses in recent years, doesn’t need gambling revenue to fund its government.

Stafford Supervisor Meg Bohmke Announces Retirement, Maya Guy Launches Bid for Aquia Seat

By Uriah Kiser

Published April 3, 2025 at 1:00PM

Michele Trampe of Central Virginia Justice Initiative and Lisa Silver accept a proclamation from Chairman Meg Bohmke on behalf of human trafficking victims.

A shakeup is underway in Stafford County politics. Longtime Falmouth District Supervisor Meg Bohmke announced she will not seek reelection, while School Board Member Maya Guy declared her candidacy for the Aquia District seat on the Board of Supervisors.

During the April 1, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, Bohmke, who has served 12 years on the board and four years previously on the school board, said she is stepping away from public office.

Stafford Leaders React to Veto of Local Sales Tax for School Construction

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 5:05PM

Stafford County leaders are responding to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s recent veto of SB1307, a bill that would have allowed counties and cities across Virginia to hold voter referendums on implementing a 1% local sales and use tax dedicated to public school construction and renovation projects.

The legislation, introduced by Senator Jeremy McPike (D-29, Prince William, Stafford), sought to add Stafford County to the list of localities eligible to consider the tax through a ballot referendum. McPike criticized the governor’s decision on social media, calling it a move that blocks local communities from choosing how to fund needed school improvements.

Protest Against Trump Held in Manassas as More County Voters Back Him at the Ballot Box

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 22, 2025 at 10:00AM

A small group of demonstrators gathered outside the Prince William County Judicial Center in Manassas on Friday afternoon to protest President Donald Trump’s alarming consolidation of executive power.

The protest, organized by Will Stewart of Indivisible NoVA West, drew about 10 attendees. The group selected the courthouse as a symbolic backdrop to highlight what they described as the judiciary’s critical role in holding the executive branch accountable.

Education, Not Slot Machines: Lateef’s Plan to Fund Virginia’s Future

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 3, 2025 at 11:27AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:26AM

Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman At-Large of the Prince William County School Board, has entered the race for Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, positioning himself as an education-focused candidate in a crowded Democratic primary. With years of experience overseeing Virginia’s second-largest school division, Lateef brings a track record of pushing for increased teacher pay, improved graduation rates, and infrastructure investments—all issues he hopes to prioritize at the state level.

An Education-First Platform