Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano Seeks Re-Election In 2023

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Steve Descano, the Commonwealth's Attorney for Fairfax County, announced Thursday he will run for re-election in 2023.

Descano, along with Arlington County Commonweath's Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, had been elected in 2019, ousting incumbents with their progressive campaigns. Descano has highlighted reforms like diversion programs, not seeking cash bail, restructuring the office to prioritize victim-centered prosecution and providing data on bond recommendations.

"I’m proud of the great strides my office has taken in creating a criminal justice system where safety and justice go hand in hand and look forward to building on our success," said Descano in the re-election announcement.

But Descano has been criticized by some on how he tackles crime and faced recall attempts from Virginians for Safe Communities and Stand Up Virginia. According to the Washington Post, some criticism resulted from Descano's office not prosecuting some misdemeanors, which Descano attributed to limited staffing. However, the Post said county funding allowed Descano to get more staff and prosecute the misdemeanors again.

Descano has argued that crime in Fairfax County has dropped since he took office.

"Every day my office continues the important work to give our community a justice system that reflects our values while keeping Fairfax County the safest jurisdiction of its size anywhere in the country," said Descano. "We have worked hard to deliver these successes and are encouraged by the fact that since taking office Fairfax County has seen crime fall by almost 10 percent."

Descano's re-election campaign received endorsements from various Democratic local and state leaders, including Fairfax County Supervisors John Foust, Rodney Lusk and Walter Alcorn and Herndon Councilmember Cesar del Aguila.

There have been no primary challengers announced in the Commonwealth's Attorney election. If a primary election is called, it would be held on June 20, 2023. The general election will be on Nov. 7, 2023.

Along with Commonwealth's Attorney, 2023 elections will include Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County School Board, Virginia House of Delegates and Senate, sheriff and Vienna Town Council.