Dear Friends and Virginians:
Tuesday is Election Day all over the USA. In northern Virginia, there is minimal attention as the 8th, 10th and 11th Congressional districts are not competitive. So we’ve been spared the 24/7 cycle of advertisements.
There is a bit of drama in my hometown of Fairfax City, which by charter has “non-partisan” elections. Here’s the reason: in 1964, when the City was established, a critical mass of its citizens were Federal employees, including military personnel, who could not seek party nominations under the Hatch Act.
So while slates formed on different issues, there was no party involvement in City elections in my youth. Everyone ran as an independent.
In 2022, when local elections moved to November, the City’s Democratic Committee began to tamper with the non-partisan system by handing out sample ballots with “approved” candidates. (Per Democratic Party rules, an “endorsement” requires a primary — which our local committee will not do).
The distinction, of course, is lost on low-information voters, who simply vote a party ticket.
Over the past couple election cycles, concerned citizens, including me, have sought to level the playing field for independent candidates focused on local issues. In 2026, we have an excellent Indy team — Rachel McQuillen, Stacy Hall, Susan Kuiler, Steve Chang, Jessica Lough and Tom Peterson (Mayor).
They’re running on a “common ground” platform of controlling taxes, promoting small business and avoiding unchecked development. Their opponents promote endorsements from the single-party establishment.
Our coordinated campaign has angered the party activists. They attack our Keep Fairfax City Independent PAC for “dishonestly” promoting an “independent” slate of candidates. (Um, what?) Of course, change is never easy. And democracy demands real choices.
We’ll find out on Election Day, if our hardy band of rebels can defeat the odds.
Either way, we’ll give people in Fairfax City a choice.
JCP Notes: Great day to play rugby today! I had a walk-on role in an “old boys” match between the Alexandria Roosters and New Zealand Embassy. Likely the first and last time, I’ll don an All Blacks jersey.
Terrific fun. Don’t forget to vote Tuesday, if you haven’t already!
Finally, on Tuesday (Election Day), I’m traveling to New York City for my argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, regarding the unconstitutionality of the “Native Name Ban” enacted by the New York Board of Regents. My clients will be tribal leaders from across the United States who oppose this nefarious policy of Native cancellation.
Peace,
Chap