Tom Peterson Thanks Supporters, Urges Focus On Fairfax City Issues

The following is a letter from Tom Peterson, who finished second behind Kirsten Lockhart in the Fairfax City mayor's race 0n Tuesday.

November 4, 2026

Dear City of Fairfax Friends and Neighbors,

While yesterday's election result was not what I was expecting, I wanted to take this moment to congratulate the winning candidates after a long campaign and wish them the very best over the next two years as they navigate our city's many needs and challenges.

I wanted as well to share my personal take on the election, based on a truly large number of conversations with residents over the past several months, including my time at early voting and 13 hours at the polls on Election Day.

First, I received a high level of support from a wide range of voters, and this was both consistent and gratifying. The importance residents placed on key community issues was equally consistent, including affordability and taxes, development and land use, and protection of our schools, public safety, environment, and essential services. Based on my many conversations, these remain bedrock issues of community interest and need.

At the same time, frustrations with national politics were clearly running high, and many voters appeared to express these through party-line voting, even in our local nonpartisan election. This seems consistent with broader national election results and the widespread desire for a change in national political leadership.

As we go forward, I hope we can maintain a strong focus on the local issues that matter most to our residents and work together across political perspectives for the betterment of our city.

I wish the very best for the City of Fairfax and again extend my sincere appreciation for all who supported me during this campaign year. It has been a privilege to engage with so many citizens, and I hope to see more of you in the months ahead.

Thank you for all you do to make the City of Fairfax such a wonderful place to live.

Warm regards,
Tom Peterson

Thomas D. “Tom” Peterson
City Council Member | Candidate for Mayor
For You, Fairfax.