By Uriah Kiser
Stafford, Va. – With his family and closest friends surrounding him at his home in Stafford, Mark Dudenhefer accepted his new job as Virginia Delegate to represent the newly shifted 2nd House District in Prince William and Stafford counties.
During the decennial redistricting process, population changes prompted the shifting of the 2nd House District from southwest Virginia to the Potomac Communities. Now Dudenhefer, 59, and the current Stafford County Board of Supervisors Chairman, is the new kid on the block.
“A 59-year-old freshman. I don’t know how that feels. I haven’t had time to process it yet,” said Dudenhefer.
While Dudenhefer won the overall vote because of a strong Republican base in Stafford County, his Democratic opponent Esteban Garces won Prince William with 55 percent of the vote in eight precincts in that county. Dudenhefer won 67 percent of the vote in Stafford County, and said he’ll make it a priority to continue to get to know voters in Prince William.
“We knew from the start that was going to be a weakness for us because I’m just not known there, but I’m known here in Stafford. I think once the people [in Prince William] know what I’m capable of doing, and what I will do, they’ll warm up to me,” said Dudenhefer.
Garces, 30, conceded to his opponent at a Democratic gathering in Woodbridge. He spoke highly of Dudenhefer and his family, and he gave the victor some advice to represent the voters who didn’t vote for him in this election.
“He needs to take an open mind to Richmond, and he says that’s what he is going to have as a delegate. It was a hard-fought race, I enjoyed our debates, I learned quite a bit from him and it was an experience I was glad to be apart of,” said Garces.
When Dudenhefer gets to Richmond, he says improving transportation in the Potomac Communities will continue to be his focus.
“The one issue is the road that connects us, along the 95 corridor, that many of us take from Stafford to Washington, D.C. every day. And that hasn’t changed,” said Dudenhefer.
A retired Marine Colonel, Dudenhefer was elected to the Stafford Board in 2006. Since then he has campaigned on improving transportation in the region as well as keeping taxes low.
While on the Board, Dudenhefer saw the expansion of Quanitico Corporate Center in North Stafford, a reduction in county tax bills and added funding to public schools.
Recent Stories
STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – Newly added brewing equipment at Highmark Brewery in Stafford County takes this already-established name in local beer to another level.
STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County will honor America’s fallen heroes with a special Memorial Day Ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10 a.m.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Prince William County Parks is bringing back its popular Fridays at 5 concert series for 2025. Starting this June, the series will feature five evenings of free live music, food trucks, and good vibes.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – What began as an unexpected career pivot has led to a remarkable achievement for one Fredericksburg couple. Drs. Edmond and Sherri Bergeron, both United States military veterans, recently earned their Doctorates in Education from Liberty University—crossing the stage together on May 8, 2025, after four years of hard work, determination, and mutual encouragement.
Calling all WSHS Class of 1975 graduates! Our class has planned our 50-Year Class Reunion to be held September 26-28, 2025 in Woodbridge, Virginia. Reunion details and registration information are available to be sent to you.
To find out more, please email our reunion committee at [email protected]
POTOMAC, MD – A local credit union is receiving national recognition for offering some of the highest certificate rates in the country. Lafayette Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Rockville and serving the greater Washington, D.C. region, has been named by financial outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger, Investopedia, DepositAccounts, and GoBankingRates for its top-ranked share certificate products.
According to these sources, Lafayette Federal currently holds the #1 national ranking for its 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year certificate terms. The institution is offering fixed annual percentage yields (APYs) up to 4.28%, with a minimum deposit requirement of $500.
Share certificates, also known as certificates of deposit (CDs) at traditional banks, have grown in popularity as a low-risk savings option during a period of economic uncertainty. With interest rates rising and market volatility continuing, many savers are seeking fixed returns on their funds without taking on additional risk.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
