Incumbent Mayor Justin Wilson has weighed in on the competitive race to replace him as the Alexandria’s mayor.
Wilson endorsed City Council member Alyia Gaskins, who is currently running against Vice Mayor Amy Jackson and Steven Peterson, a real estate developer.
On Twitter, Wilson wrote:
Alyia has shown an innate ability to bring together diverse interests in our community to advance progressive policy. She works collaboratively with her colleagues to advance investments in our schools, infrastructure, housing and public safety. She champions policies designed to drive economic growth and improve mobility. She advocates for our community in Alexandria and in Richmond.
The next mayor must face our city’s challenges with clear-eyed leadership and focus. That’s why I strongly endorse Alyia Gaskins.
The endorsement follows endorsements from former Mayor Jim Moran and former Mayor Bill Euille, though the shadow of an Alexandria Times story about an FBI probe still hangs over the latter.
“These three mayors have all given so much to Alexandria — from the 1980s all the way through today — and their collective leadership has helped to make our city the special place we know and love,” Gaskins told ALXnow. “I’m honored to have earned their confidence to be the leader that Alexandria needs to face the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead.”
Gaskins’ endorsement page also includes endorsements from current City Council members John Chapman, Kirk McPike, and Sarah Bagley, along with former Council members including Del Pepper, Rob Krupicka and Willie Bailey.
Former Mayor Allison Silberberg told ALXnow she hasn’t given an endorsement at this point, but that she has contributed to Jackson’s campaign.
ALXnow reached out to Jackson and Peterson.
“My only focus right now is that of the citizens and how I can give them a voice,” Peterson told ALXnow when asked about endorsements. “I am 100% committed to the residents of Alexandria to lower residential taxes, reduce crime and traffic, and increase affordable housing.”
While Peterson’s page doesn’t have a section about endorsements, Jackson’s includes endorsements from Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter, former Virginia Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, Alexandria Clerk of the Circuit Court Greg Parks, Virginia delegate Holly Seibold, and Prince William County Supervisor Andrea Bailey.
