Election 2023: State Senate Debate Moved To Vienna

UPDATE: The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce moved the debate location to a larger location. Candidate Erika Yalkowitz has dropped out of the race.

FALLS CHURCH, VA — Falls Church, Vienna and other nearby communities will get a new state senator as redrawn legislative districts take effect with the 2023 election. Candidates for Virginia's 37th Senate District Democratic primary election are set to debate Thursday in Vienna.

The City of Falls Church has been in the 35th Senate District represented by state Sen. Dick Saslaw. But legislative districts were redrawn based on 2020 Census data as mandated by law, changing the city's district to the 37th Senate District. The changes will take effect in 2024 after the 2023 general election.

State Sen. Chap Petersen, who currently represents the 34th Senate District, is running along with fellow Democrat Saddam Azlan Salim in the June 20 primary for the 37th Senate District. As of Thursday, Erika Yalowitz dropped out of the race. The new district includes Fairfax City, Oakton, Vienna, Merrifield, Dunn Loring, Idylwood, Tysons and Falls Church.

On Thursday, the three candidates will debate from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the American Legion Post 180, 330 Center Street N., Vienna, VA. The debate is hosted by the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce and includes questions by moderator Doug Francis and the audience. The event is open to the public, and no registration is required to attend. Co-sponsors are the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and Greater Merrifield Business Association.

The event was moved to a larger facility due to significant interest in the debate.

SEE ALSO: Petersen Outraises 2 Primary Opponents In Virginia Senate Race: VPAP

Other Democratic primary elections on June 20 in the City of Falls Church are the Commonwealth's Attorney for Arlington County and Falls Church and Clerk of the Court. Incumbent Commonwealth's Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti is running against Josh Katcher in the Democratic primary.

There is no primary for the new 13th House of Delegates District, where Del. Marcus Simon (D-Falls Church), the current House District 53 delegate, is running.

No Republican primaries have been called in the City of Falls Church.

Early voting for the Democratic primary will begin on May 5.

General elections scheduled for Nov. 7, 2023 are the 37th Senate District, 13th House of Delegates District, Commonwealth's Attorney, Clerk of Court, three seats for Falls Church City Council and three seats for Falls Church School Board.