It likely won’t be needed, but the Arlington County Democratic Committee has finalized plans for a caucus to select the party’s nominee for county treasurer.
Democrats have set Friday as the filing date for caucus contenders. Prospective candidates will have a three-hour window — from 4-7 p.m. — on that date to bring their paperwork to the committee’s headquarters in Shirlington.
Those seeking the nomination also will have to pay a filing fee of $3,268.48, which is based on a percentage of the annual salary for the post.
Carla de la Pava, who had served as treasurer for 12 years and won one special and two general elections along the way, announced July 1 she would be retiring effective July 10. Kim Rucker, who has served as chief deputy treasurer during most of de la Pava’s tenure, became treasurer on that date.
Rucker has announced plans to seek the Democratic endorsement in the Nov. 3 special election. If past history repeats itself, she likely will be the lone Democrat to seek the post, and likely will be unopposed in the special election.
If Rucker is the only candidate to file for the endorsement, Democrats will vote whether to support her at their monthly meeting in early August.
If there is more than one contender, the party’s endorsement caucus will be held in late July and early August, with both online and in-person options available.
If a caucus is held, those participating will be required to attest “you consider yourself a Democrat and do not intend to support a candidate opposed to the Democratic nominee in the general election,” party officials said. That pledge is required by a Democratic Party of Virginia rule that cannot be waived at the local level.
Candidates seeking the Democratic endorsement are prohibited from seeking nomination from another party.
For those who wish to seek the post in the general election without the Democratic endorsement, the Virginia Department of Elections filing deadline is Aug. 14.
The winner of the Nov. 3 special election will serve until Dec. 31, 2027. An election for a full four-year term will take place in November 2027.
