Falls Church Mayor David Tarter Not Running For Re-Election In 2023

FALLS CHURCH, VA — Mayor David Tarter announced he will not run for another term on the Falls Church City Council.

Tarter's full announcement was published in the Falls Church News Press. His term on City Council expires on Dec. 31, 2023. Tarter was first elected to City Council in 2012 and first became mayor in 2014.

"Serving the City of Falls Church as Mayor has indeed been my great honor and privilege," Tarter shared in the Falls Church News Press announcement. "Although I was born and raised in Northern Virginia, it took coming to Falls Church to find home. The City, its schools and community have been good to me and my family. I, in turn, have tried to return the favor."

The mayor touted achievements like the new Meridian High School construction, renovations of City Hall and Mary Riley Styles Public Library, new developments, increased affordable housing and more. Tarter's previous roles in the city have been the Falls Church Economic Development Authority chair, interim city attorney and City Council member.

While voters select members of City Council, the appointments of mayor and vice mayor are decided by City Council. Tarter was appointed to another two-year term at the beginning of 2022, while Letty Hardi was appointed vice mayor.

Tarter's seat is up for election in 2023 along with Hardi and Councilmember Phil Duncan's seats. The four other City Council members have terms expiring at the end of 2025.

There will be no primary election for City Council in 2023, but three seats will be on the ballot on Nov. 7, 2023.

On May 17 and 21, prospective candidates can learn about running for office in two sessions held by the Falls Church League of Women Voters. The sessions will focus on the elections for three City Council seats and three School Board seats in November 2023. Speakers will include Hardi, School Board Vice Chair Tate Gould, and a representative from the Falls Church registrar's office.