Politics & Government

Sickles Joins Growing List of Democrats Seeking 8th Congressional District Nod

State delegate announces candidacy — and three Fairfax County endorsements — for Virginia's congressional seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Jim Moran.

State Del. Mark Sickles, D-Franconia, announced Monday that he is running for Virginia's 8th Congressional District, joining a growing list of Democrats seeking their party's nomination to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Jim Moran.

"I will bring meaningful federal, state, and local experience to a very divided Congress, as well as the ability to work with people across the political spectrum," Sickles, 56, said in a statement. "I am now in my 11th year in the Virginia House of Delegates and serve as our Democratic Caucus Chair. In my career, I have come to know the federal system as an advocate for infrastructure investment, and will fight tirelessly for the federal workers – like my father, who had a 39-year career in the federal government – who are the heart and soul of our economy."

Sickles, who said he worked on Moran's first congressional campaign in 1990, also said he would fight for the middle class, increased and affordable educational opportunities, better transportation solutions, plus equality, choice and "other progressive values that are under constant threat in Washington."

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His website, where you can subscribe to campaign updates or contribute funds, is at http://www.sicklesforcongress.com.

Born in Arlington, Sickles currently represents the state's 43rd House District in Richmond, an area that includes the communities of Huntington, Franconia, Kingstowne, Hayfield and Lorton. He served as the Fairfax County Democratic Committee chairman in 1995, the year his party won control of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

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Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Sharon Bulova, Virginia state Sen. Toddy Puller, D-Mount Vernon, and Fairfax County Supervisor Jeff McKay, a Democrat who represents the county's Lee District, have endorsed Sickles' congressional bid, according to the campaign.

The state's 8th Congressional District, a Democratic stronghold, has seen a number of candidate announcements in the past week, and more are expected.

Already, state Del. Patrick Hope, an Arlington Democrat, state Del. Charniele Herring, an Alexandria Democrat and the outgoing chairwoman of the state party, and former Navy fighter pilot Bruce Shuttleworth, also of Arlington, have announced their intention to seek the seat.

Over the weekend, former Virginia Lt. Gov. Don Beyer told the Washington Post he would file papers to run for the seat early this week.

State Sen. Adam Ebbin has said he is strongly considering a run, and the Post indicated Arlington Del. Alfonso Lopez and Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille are expected to enter the race.

On Jan. 15, Moran announced he would not seek reelection after 23 years of service — causing a free-for-all among Northern Virginia Democrats.

The 8th Congressional District includes much of Northern Virginia, from McLean to Woodbridge, following the Potomac River on one side and stretching over to Falls Church and parts of Annandale and Springfield on the other. 


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