Wheeler Concedes Democratic Nomination For County Chair To Jefferson

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Incumbent Prince William County chair-at-large Ann Wheeler conceded the Democratic nomination to challenger Deshundra Jefferson on Wednesday morning.

Jeanine Lawson won the Republican nomination for the chair-at-large position, the Associated Press reported on Tuesday night.

Jefferson will square off against Lawson in the general election for the countywide position in November.

In her concession statement, Wheeler said she appreciates the support she received in the primary.

"While I am disappointed by last night’s results, I am grateful for the support across the county that I received," Wheeler said. "The Democratic primary election for the Chair-At-Large position had unprecedented turnout, over 1200 more votes counted than in the highly competitive 2021 gubernatorial Democratic primary."

Wheeler also took the opportunity to note that she would be supporting Jefferson against Lawson in the general election in November.

"Lawson is an extreme MAGA Republican and DeSantis supporter who is dangerous for our county," Wheeler said. "Prince William County is the most diverse county in the Commonwealth and the 10th most diverse county in the country. We do not need a Trump-style celebrity politician who likes appearing on right-wing radio shows and biding her time until she can win a race for higher office, despite failed attempts."