Gray beats Nohe for County Chairman nomination; Republican ‘Firehouse Primary’ results

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY — John Gray has been a longtime candidate, running in previous Prince William County elections as an independent and a Democrat.

Today, it was Republicans that chose him to be their nominee for Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chairman At-large. He won with 57% of the 5,580 votes cast the county’s “Firehouse Primary” Election.

Most surprisingly, Gray beat longtime Coles District Supervisor Martin E. “Marty” Nohe who was also vying for the job.

In a county that, in recent years has shown an electorate that is leaning more and more to the left, the staunch Republican whom Gray could replace on the Board of County Supervisors says he can win.

“He can do it,” said Prince William Board of Supervisors Chairman At-large Corey Stewart. “He turned out the base today, and he’s going to need all of the help from the Republican Party that he can get, he can do it.”

Stewart, fresh off of two failed runs for Governor and U.S. Senate announced in January he would not seek re-election to the Board, on which he has served since 2006.

Gray touted anti-sanctuary county policies prior to today’s election, telling Potomac Local that the county should focus on removing from the streets illegal immigrants who have been charged with committing crimes and to continue the 287g program, a federal effort to identify the immigration of status of suspected illegal immigrants after they have been arrested and charged with a crime.

Stewart won national notoriety in 2006 for a similar hard stance on illegal immigrants. He was also an outspoken advocate for President Trump during his 2016 campaign.

Gray posted an election video to YouTube, and in it had a portrait of the President in the background. Stewart said that Gray’s decision to align himself “absolutely” helped his cause.

Gray will now face Democrat Ann Wheeler in the General Election on Nov. 5, 2019.

“John’s victory reflects a dramatic change in Prince William County Republicans that are now completely controlled by the far right. I will lead a ticket of Prince William County Democrats this fall that will offer the voters a different vision that puts our schools, transportation network and public safety as our first priority – while the GOP offers far-right ideology only. I will bring a new era of inclusivity to Prince William County,” said Wheeler.

Also on the Board of County Supervisors, Gainesville District Supervisor Peter Candland fended off his primary challenger Ray Mizner with 73% of the vote.

In the Coles District, homemaker and former county sheriff’s deputy Yelsi Vega beat out Realtor Patrick Sowers for the Republican nomination for that seat with 81% of the vote.

Two Democrats are are also vying for the seat — Latonsha D. Pridgen and Raheel Sheikh. Both will face-off in a statewide Primary Election on June 11.

Two political newcomers were seeking the Republican nomination for the Potomac District seat — Douglas S. Taggart and Davon A. Gray. Taggart won today’s election with 51% of the vote.

Current Potomac District Supervisor Maureen Caddigan is not seeking re-election.

In the race for Prince William County Commonwealth Attorney, Micheal C. May won his party’s nomination today with 57% of the vote, beating out newcomer Timothy M. Olmstead.

May previously served on the Board of County Supervisors but stepped down in 2015 to mount an unsuccessful campaign for Commonwealth Attorney.

“Today, Republicans came out in large numbers all across the county to nominate a diverse ticket of individuals who have been invested in our community and are dedicated to bringing positive results for the people of this County,” said Prince William County Republican Committee Chairman Bill Card. “Our Republican ticket is unified and focused on reducing traffic congestion, bringing high-paying jobs to Prince William, and reducing classroom sizes and supporting teachers.”

A total of 23,322 votes were cast today at seven polling places in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.