WOODBRIDGE — A political newcomer in Prince William County has turned the heads of some established Democrats in the region.
Margaret Franklin is running to unseat fellow Democrat and Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi in a June 11 Primary Election.
Today, Franklin’s campaign sent us an email that included multiple endorsements from the following state, and locally-elected officials:
Atif Qarni, Virignia Secretary of Education and former Beville Middle School teacher
“I am pleased to announce my strong support for Margaret Angela Franklin in her candidacy for the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. Margaret is a leader in our community who believes in equity and fairness within our education system. She will be a strong advocate for parents, teachers and students and is committed to making Prince William County the model for academic success.”
*Atif Qarni currently serves as the Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia*Delegate Luke Torian (Delegate for the 52ndDistrict)
“I am pleased to endorse Margaret Angela Franklin for the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. Margaret’s belief that we must work together to build a Prince William County that reflects the best of who we are is important to moving our county forward. Everyone deserves a seat at the table to make Prince William County a place we call home and I believe that Margaret Angela Franklin is a qualified policy maker, advocate, and leader. I look forward to her leadership on the Board of County Supervisors.”Mayor Jeanette Rishell, Manassas Park
“I am delighted to enthusiastically endorse Margaret Angela Franklin for the Prince William Board of County Supervisors for the Woodbridge District. Serving with Margaret on our local transportation board has shown me first hand that she is a dedicated leader. I look forward to seeing her leadership as a member of the Board of Supervisors.”Loree Williams, Prince William County School Board, Woodbridge District
“I am pleased to endorse Margaret Angela Franklin for the Prince William Board of County Supervisors for the Woodbridge District,” said Williams. Margaret is a proven leader who can build bridges across our district to move us all forward together.Councilwoman Selonia Miles, Councilwoman for the Town of Dumfries
“I am honored to endorse Margaret Angela Franklin for the Prince William Board of County Supervisors for the Woodbridge District,” said Councilwomen Miles. “During a time when we need bold leadership in Prince William County, Margaret’s experience in creating public policy is critical. Margaret is a qualified leader that will create a partnership between the Potomac and Woodbridge Districts that will help move the eastern end of the county forward.”
Recent Stories
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double homicide following the discovery of two deceased individuals in a Heatherwood Drive residence about two miles from Courtland High School.
Investigators are mum about how they died.
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call from a concerned individual who reported not having heard from a friend. Upon visiting the residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive, the caller entered the home and discovered a female’s body. They exited and contacted the Spotsylvania County 911 call center.
Patricia A. Healy, the longest-serving member in the history of the Stafford County School Board, celebrated a remarkable milestone on January 14, 2025—25 years of dedicated service to Stafford County Public Schools. First elected to represent the Rock Hill District in 2000, Healy has since become a pillar of leadership and advocacy for education in the community.
In a special recognition at the school board meeting, Healy was lauded for her steadfast commitment to students, families, and educators. Over the course of her tenure, Healy has served alongside 33 board members and held leadership roles, including seven years as chair and one year as vice chair. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the board through significant growth, challenges, and transformations within the school system.
This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.
Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.
Rania credited her success to the supportive academic community of Prince William County Public Schools, her teachers Stephanie Brown and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, and her unique opportunities at GS@IP. As a finalist, she has already won $27,000 and will compete for additional awards totaling over $1.8 million during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Rania’s journey emphasizes the power of passion and commitment in achieving meaningful scientific discoveries.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
