Now that the Democratic primary is over, Fairfax County Democrats are seeking to unite the party behind winning candidates in the runup to the Nov. 5 general election. Hunter Mill District Democratic Committee was first off the mark, holding its Unity Event on June 12, a mere 24 hours after polls closed.
Seven candidates for state and local office, including four who had won either in the primary or the earlier Fairfax County Democratic Committee endorsement vote, mingled with about 30 committee members over hors d’oeuvres at the North County Government Center in Reston and made brief speeches to fire up supporters.
Jeff McKay, who handily won the primary for Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chair with 43% of the vote in a field of four, set the tone, telling the audience that, “Primaries are tough, but good for building community.” McKay added, “Let’s make sure the county is as solid blue as Republicans think it is.”
Also taking the mic was Walter Alcorn, who won the primary for Hunter Mill District Supervisor with 47% of the vote, backed up by three of the four challengers he bested: Laurie Dodd, Shyamali Roy Hauth and Parker Messick.
Alcorn reminded supporters, “Don’t forget down-state races. That’s how we’ll flip the state in November.” In fact, Democrats needs only win a net two seats in each of the state House and Senate to gain the majority.
Two school board candidates who won in the endorsement vote on May 21 also showed up to rally supporters: Melanie Meren, candidate for the Hunter Mill seat, and Abrar Omeish, candidate for an at-large seat.
Rounding out the crop of candidates showing support for unity were three state legislators who did not even have to face primary opponents in their bid for re-election : Sen. Janet Howell (D-32), Del. Kathleen Murphy (D-34), and Del. Mark Keam (D-35).
– Brad Swanson
Photo: Democratic candidates came together to show unity. L-R Walter Alcorn, Jeff McKay, Melanie Meren