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Election
County Involvement In City Elections
At this time when the county Democratic party is actively engaging in our election it's time to look at what being an independent city really means During the early 50 and 60s Northern Virginia was involved in a scramble for territory. Alexandria and Falls Church were attempting to take land from Fairfax County. Fairfax county’s plan was to turn the entire county into a massive city. This would have frozen the counties borders and stopped any attempt by other jurisdictions too claim county territory. John C Wood had grave concerns about the future of the Town of Fairfax.
Jessica L. Lough: Candidate for City Council
I'm running for City Council because I believe Fairfax deserves Council members who will listen to them, work respectfully with others, and make decisions based on facts. My goal is to protect what makes Fairfax special while preparing us for a strong and sustainable future. I bring a mix of executive leadership, financial discipline, and a pragmatic approach to solving problems. Whether we are discussing development, transportation, housing, or the city budget, my approach is simple: look at the facts, talk with residents and business owners early, and focus on outcomes that benefit our community. Listening is only step one. The valuable work is taking what you hear, pairing it with real data, and integrating it to make win-win solutions. Public input can often feel like a box-checking exercise after a decision is already made- I want residents to know their feedback shapes the final outcome.
Steve S. Chang: Candidate for City Council
Hello City of Fairfax. My name is Steve S. Chang. I am running for Fairfax City Council because my wife Jie and I love this community and want to help ensure that Fairfax remains a welcoming, thriving, and financially responsible city. My campaign has been about building relationships with each City resident. In my eagerness to talk to you, I get so excited when I head out to door knock every day. Because public policy requires people and without people, we don’t have a City. You are important to me. And I can make one true promise to you that my door will open for you when you knock on mine. My background spans business, non-profit leadership, Christian ministry, and community service. After pursuing doctoral studies in theoretical physics, I founded several businesses, including an IT company. I later founded Global Mission Church of Virginia and am one of four owners of The Independent News Press. My commitment to Put Fairfax First focuses on community-driven leadership, fiscal responsibility, support for local businesses, environmental stewardship, and safe neighborhoods. I believe residents deserve meaningful input on decisions, and taxpayer resources must be managed carefully. As Fairfax evolves, we must balance growth with protecting neighborhood identity, green spaces, and public services. Working alongside residents, city staff, the Mayor, and Council, I will seek practical, enduring solutions through respectful partnership. Please visit my website chang4fairfax.com for more information. This City has given much to my family, and I am eager to give back. I would love to grab a cup of coffee or wine so please sign up for my events. Please welcome to my website to sign up for events at chang4fairfax.com. I would be honored and grateful to earn your vote on November 3.
Opinion
County Involvement In City Elections
At this time when the county Democratic party is actively engaging in our election it's time to look at what being an independent city really means During the early 50 and 60s Northern Virginia was involved in a scramble for territory. Alexandria and Falls Church were attempting to take land from Fairfax County. Fairfax county’s plan was to turn the entire county into a massive city. This would have frozen the counties borders and stopped any attempt by other jurisdictions too claim county territory. John C Wood had grave concerns about the future of the Town of Fairfax.
Election
Stacy R. Hall: Candidate for City Council (incumbent)
Fairfax is my home, and it is the only home my children have ever known. I am seeking reelection because I want to protect what makes our city special while helping Fairfax responsibly meet the financial, infrastructure and development challenges ahead. During my first term, I have approached every issue with the same commitment: listen to residents, study the facts, ask difficult questions and be honest about the tradeoffs. I have worked to make our budget and long-term obligations easier to understand, supported stronger protections for public safety, advocated for continued investment in our schools, and pushed for meaningful resident engagement before major decisions are made. My record also shows that I do not begin with a predetermined “yes” or “no.” I raised concerns about the early financial outlook for the Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center, then supported it after a stronger county partnership and cost-recovery plan substantially reduced the projected burden on city taxpayers. I opposed the full George Snyder Trail because I believed its environmental impact and loss of hundreds of trees were too great. Asking questions is not obstruction; it is the responsibility that comes with representing our residents. I bring financial experience, knowledge of our schools and a deep connection to this community. I will continue working for transparent government, responsible stewardship of tax dollars, safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, thoughtful development and protection of our green spaces. This is YOUR city, and YOUR voice matters. Please visit my website StacyForFairfax.com.
Election
Kelly M. O’Brien: Candidate for City Council
I'm running for Fairfax City Council because experience, collaboration, and a real commitment to this community matter. I bring all three. Fairfax has been my home for 15 years. What I love is that it's still a place where people show up for each other, local businesses know their customers by name, and one person can actually make a difference. If you care about your community, you should be willing to roll up your sleeves and help. That's led me to serve on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, work with the Old Town Fairfax Business Association, volunteer at community events, support local businesses, and create Fairfax 411 to help residents understand what's happening in their local government. That involvement has also made me a familiar face. People stop me around the City to ask questions or share what's on their mind, whether I'm at a festival, the grocery store, or the gym. I don't always have the answer on the spot, but I know how to find it and who to ask. That's the kind of conduit I want to be on Council: approachable, responsive, and honest when I don't know something yet. I'm running because I want to put my experience to work for this community and help it move forward. I bring nearly 20 years of professional local government and planning experience, and I know this community. I understand how local government actually works, and I know good ideas don't mean much without follow-through. Fairfax is my home. I've spent years finding ways to contribute, and I'd be honored to continue that as a member of City Council. But I'll keep finding ways to serve this community either way.
News
2026 Fairfax City Election
On August 31,2026, The Independent News Press invited the City of Fairfax Mayoral and City Council Candidates Questionnaire to participate in our very first questionnaire. This questionnaire was designed to give City of Fairfax voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking to lead their City on matters of public affairs.
Election
Russell Jones: Candidate for City Council
Hello, my name is Russell Jones, currently a member on the BZA board, I feel that over the last few city councils the direction the city is going is not in the best interests of the city residents. I felt compelled to run to see if I can do anything to change this. I'm the dark horse in this race. With no real political experience, no money and no backing, I'll find out if a long time resident can have a voice.
