Alexandria's Vice Mayor Is Running For Mayor

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Alexandria's Vice Mayor Justin Wilson will challenge Mayor Allison Silberberg in the June 12, 2018 Democratic primary election. Wilson announced his candidacy for mayor Monday. Silberberg is serving her first term in the city's top post after defeating four-term Mayor Bill Euille in the 2015 primary. Wilson is a three-term member of the council.

Wilson's candidacy brings two very different options to the table, according to The Washington Post. Silberberg has unsuccessfully opposed two tax increases proposed by Wilson—a 3-cent hike in 2016 and 5.7-cent hike in 2017.

The two have also clashed an ethics study approved during her first month in office and a policy limiting the public comment period at the beginning of council meetings passed in January. Silberberg called the latter "anti-democratic," while Wilson argued improving time management “is the definition of democracy," The Post reported.

In a note to supporters, Wilson outline goals such as improving housing affordability, modernizing schools, addressing the sewer systems and redeveloping the Landmark Mall. Meanwhile Silberberg has confirmed she will seek another term, WTOP reported.

The mayor and the six other City Council seats are up for election in 2018. Other candidates could join the race until the end of March.

Images via City of Alexandria