Legislative Update: Virginia Elections & Local Ballot Measures

Next week, Virginians will head to the polls to elect the state’s next Governor, Attorney General, and members of the General Assembly. Voters in Fairfax County will also consider a $460 million school bond referendum to fund future school construction and renovation projects. The Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce encourages members to stay informed about the issues and candidates that may impact our region’s economic climate, workforce, and quality of life.

Below you’ll find some summaries of key statewide races, ballot items and additional links to find more information.

Early voting is available until November 1, 2025. Find your location for early voting at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/early-voting.

Virginia Governor’s Race

What It Means for the Business Community

Both candidates aim to strengthen Virginia’s economy but differ in their approach.

• Earle-Sears focuses on tax relief, deregulation, and protecting Right-to-Work laws as a path to economic growth.
• Spanberger prioritizes workforce training, infrastructure, and innovation investments to attract employers and support long-term competitiveness.

Each platform highlights issues directly affecting Virginia’s business community: affordability, workforce readiness, and economic stability.

View their websites to learn more: winsomeforgovernor.com and abigailspanberger.com

Virginia Attorney General Race

Key Takeaways for Virginia Businesses

Both candidates agree on the importance of maintaining safe communities and protecting consumers but differ in how they would oversee Virginia’s economic and legal environment:

• Miyares emphasizes law enforcement, public safety, and limiting regulation to sustain a stable business climate.
• Jones focuses on stronger corporate oversight, fair competition, and emerging-industry growth to promote economic equity and innovation.

The race underscores how Virginia’s top legal office can shape not only justice policy but also the regulatory and consumer environment that affects employers across the Commonwealth.

View their websites to learn more: jasonmiyares.com and jayjones.com.

Virginia Lieutenant Governor’s Race

Read about the issues from each candidate in this week’s Fairfax County Connection Newspaper here.

Virginia Delegate’s Race

House of Delegates Races in the Region

Here are a few key races in the Mount Vernon Springfield area with incumbents and challengers you may wish to follow:

• Paul E. Krizek (D, District 16) currently represents part of Fairfax County, including the Mount Vernon corridor.
• Richard Hayden (R) is the Republican candidate in District 16, challenging Paul Krizek.
• Kathy Tran (D, District 18) is the incumbent (Fairfax County).
• Ed McGovern (R) is the Republican challenger in District 18.
• Mark Sickles (D, District 17) serves part of Fairfax County.
• Naomi Mesfin (R) is the Republican candidate opposing Mark Sickles.
• Vivian E. Watts (D, District 14) currently holds the seat, with Eric Johnson (R) running as challenger.
• Rozia Henson (D, District 19) is another delegate representing part of Fairfax County.

These districts overlap or are adjacent to the areas served by the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber, meaning changes in representation could influence regional policy, workforce issues, business regulation, and economic development priorities. Read about the issues from each candidate in this week’s Fairfax County Connection Newspaper here and find links to their websites below.

You may find your your district by searching your address via the “Who’s My Legislator?” service on whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov.

The list below can also be seen at https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/candidate-list/november-4-2025-gen-elect-house-of-del/.

 

Fairfax County School Bond Referendum on the November Ballot

Voters in Fairfax County will see a $460 million school bond referendum on the November 4 ballot. The proposal, approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, would authorize the county to issue bonds to finance school construction, renovation, and improvement projects identified in the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

According to FCPS, the bond proceeds could supplement previously authorized funding for school capital needs. The specific projects funded could change over time, as the School Board has flexibility to adjust priorities within the CIP.

If approved, the funds could be used for several ongoing and planned projects, including renovations at Willow Springs, Cub Run, Union Mill, and Centre Ridge Elementary Schools, as well as Franklin Middle School. The bond may also support planning and design work at Centreville High School and Twain Middle School, site acquisition for a future high school in western Fairfax County, and facility upgrades such as security vestibules and energy-efficiency improvements.

Fairfax County issues school bonds periodically as part of its long-term capital financing plan. Similar referendums have appeared on past ballots, and voter approval is required by state law before the county can issue new debt for school projects.

Additional information about the bond, including project details and financial background, is available at www.fcps.edu/bond2025 and www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bond.