Arlington Republicans are deciding on whether to take a position on upcoming referendums connected to several controversial topics.
The local party is expected to decide on Monday, June 22 whether to take a public stance on amendments approved by Democratic majorities in the General Assembly.
If approved by Virginia voters, the changes would codify a right to abortion and same-sex marriage in the Virginia Constitution and make restoration of voting rights essentially automatic once a prisoner completes his or her sentence.
Any decision at the local level will be independent of recent action by the Republican Party of Virginia’s State Central Committee. That body first opted to take no position on the amendments but, under pressure from grassroots Republicans, reversed course and is now on record as opposing all three.
Arlington GOP chair Matthew Hurtt said party members recently were surveyed on their views on the referendums, and whether they believe the local party should take a position.
“I will reveal the results of that survey at Monday night’s meeting,” he said in a June 16 email to members.
Only dues-paying party members will be eligible to vote at the meeting, Hurtt said, but all interested Republicans can attend.
“I encourage you to show up, see what we’re about, and get involved where you can,” he said.
The Republican State Central Committee on May 31 voted narrowly (32-30) to defer any decision on a proposed resolution urging voters to reject the three amendments.
That decision drew fire from more conservative portions of the state’s Republican leadership. A number of local Republican committees began crafting their own resolutions opposing the three amendments.
Among them was the 6th Congressional District Republican Committee.
“It is our hope that in passing this motion, we will put pressure on SCC to do the right thing and pass this motion in an effort to show our grassroots that we care about issues important to them — namely the rights to life and the values so many of us hold dear,” said John Massoud, that committee’s chair.
With pressure increasing, a new vote was held by members of the GOP’s State Central Committee on June 13. Committee members voted 55-17 to oppose the three constitutional amendments.
Massoud, who helped pressure that change of heart, has a connection to Arlington’s political past. In 1997, he was the Republican nominee for the 48th House District, which then included much of Arlington, losing to Democrat Bob Brink.
Local Republican committees are not obligated to follow the state body’s lead. If the Arlington GOP votes to oppose any or all referendums, the positions will be noted on the party’s sample ballot handed out to voters on Nov. 3 and on promotional materials released in advance of the election.
Chamber to host County Board candidate night: The Arlington Chamber of Commerce will hold a County Board candidate forum on Tuesday, June 23 from 5:30-7 p.m. at VHC Health (1701 N. George Mason Drive).
Candidates running in the Aug. 4 Democratic primary and Nov. 3 general election have been invited. The forum will focus on topics of importance to the local business community.
The program will be moderated by 2026 Chamber Chair Bismah Ahmed of the Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington.
The public is invited. Registration is required and is open through noon on June 23.
Beyer challenger picks up endorsement: Democratic 8th District U.S. House candidate Mohamed “Mo” Seifeldein has been endorsed by the New American Leaders Action Fund.
The organization supports candidates who bring the immigrant experience to public service and are committed to building a more representative democracy.
“People are tired of being told the economy is working while they struggle to afford rent, childcare, groceries, and healthcare,” Seifeldein said in a statement.
He added:
“Too often, corporate-backed politicians are disconnected from the realities working families face every day. This campaign is about giving ordinary people a stronger voice, and I’m proud to have the New American Leaders Action Fund standing with us in that fight.”
Seifeldein, a former member of the Alexandria City Council, has also been endorsed by Citizens Against AIPAC Corruption (Track AIPAC).
Seifeldein is one of five candidates seeking the Democratic nomination in the 8th District. Also competing in the Aug. 4 primary are challengers Michael Duffin, Adam Dunigan and Lorena Thorne Bruner and incumbent Rep. Don Beyer.
