Democrats say Gray an ‘extreme’ choice for Prince William Chairman

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY — Democrats in Prince William County is trying to link a winner of Saturday’s “Firehouse Primary” election in Prince William County with President Donald Trump.

Voter turnout was also lower this year when compared to a Republican Primary Election held four years ago, they add.

In a press release, Democrats stated:

Enthusiasm for the Republican Party has clearly taken a hit in Prince William County. In 2015 the GOP was able to mobilize about 2.4% of the county electorate. This Saturday turnout was down to 1.98%. That equals out to about 1,000 less voters overall this weekend. Prince William voter registration has soared in recent years to over 282,000 (34,000 more than 2015). The numbers would suggest the Republican base was not motivated or the voters weren’t impressed with the Republican Party’s new crop of candidates who were proclaiming the same old brand of divisive politics.

The most extreme candidates in the GOP field benefited from the dismal participation rate. None more so than John Gray. This four-time failed candidate is now styling himself in the image of Donald Trump and Corey Stewart, going so far as to campaign in a ‘MAGA’ hat on election day.

Gray won the “Firehouse Primary” held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, beating Marty Nohe in an upset. Nohe has been the Prince William County Coles District Supervisor since 2003 and was seeking the At-large Chairman’s seat. Current Chairman At-large Corey Stewart is stepping down after two failed back-to-back political campaigns — the first for Virginia Governor and the next for U.S. Senate.

Prince William County Republican Committee Chairman Bill Card fired back on Tuesday:

That is the same old tired go-to attack from the Democrats… they call a Republican “extreme”, or other names, when they want to avoid talking about their record or the issues. You want to know what’s extreme? We were told that the investigation into Governor Northam’s school yearbook would be complete in April, and yet here we are – nothing. It’s extreme to think that the leader of the Democratic Party in Virginia wore blackface or a KKK hood, and the Democrats still support this guy. That’s extreme.

John Gray is a Marine Veteran, father, grandfather, and successful businessman who wants the President to succeed. There is nothing extreme about that. The local Democrats want to focus on identity politics, while Republicans want to focus on ideas, like reducing traffic congestion, bringing high-paying jobs to Prince William, and reducing classroom sizes and supporting teachers. When the Democrats are ready to put aside the Washington D.C.-style name-calling partisanship, we’ll be ready to talk about the actual issues. We’re waiting.

With the exception of Delegate Tim Hugo (R-40), Republicans have not won an office in Prince William County since 2015.

Some Democrats vying seats on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors and Commonwealth Attorney will face off in a statewide Primary Election on June 11.

They include:

Woodbridge District

• Frank Principi (incumbent)
• Margaret Franklin

Occoquan District 

• Kenny Boddye
• Aaron Edmond

Coles District 

• Latonsha Pridgen
• Raheel Sheikh

Commonwealth Attorney 

• Amy Ashworth
• Tracey Lennox