A Tweet shared over the weekend by a Richmond political reporter Brandon Jarvis hints at the possibility of Delegate Lee Carter — the only self-described Democratic Socialist to hold elected office in Virginia — running for governor.
Cater, who was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2017 to represent who represents the Bristow area of Prince William County, as well as Manassas, has seen his share of ups and downs this year, being pepper-sprayed during a standoff with police outside Manassas in May, and having none of his bills — one which would have put police officers in jail for six months, or fining them $1,000, for not properly displaying a badge un during a record 12-week special session of the General Assembly that concluded this month.
Other efforts, including expunging criminal records of those convicted of felonies and misdemeanors, and decriminalizing marijuana, were all pushed off until the 2021 General Assembly session in January. Then, Carter should have no problem legalizing pot in Virginia as, today, Gov. Ralph Northam announced that he intends to introduce legislation to make Virginia the first state in the south to decriminalize the drug.
We’ve asked Carter to comment on the Tweet, but be did not respond. However, he did reply to Jarvis’ Tweet with a meme of Rainn Wilson of NBC’s “The Office,” stating “it’s true.”
Carter would join an increasingly crowded field of Democratic candidates seeking the governor’s office in next year’s statewide election. Virginia’s constitution does not allow incumbents to see reelection.
From Prince William County, two-term Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy has raised nearly $1 million, outshining other declared Democrats that include former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, current Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, and Jennifer McLellan, who represents Charles City County near Richmond.
Prince William politicians also have their eye on the Lt. Governor’s seat, too. While Prince William County School Board Chairman Babur Lateef announced last week he decided to abandon his pursuit for the office, two-term delegated Hala Ayala and Elizabeth Guzman are both in a crowded field of six Democrats seeking the seat.
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ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
Looking for a new best friend? Meet Echo, a 3-4-month-old pup full of love, energy, and curiosity. This little guy, possibly a Boxer mix, is still finding his voice, but…
Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections?
The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.
Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.
A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.
According to court documents, Olajide Benjamin Ayilaran, 24, met a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2023 and began communicating with the victim via iMessage. In the messages, Ayilaran offered to provide the victim drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products in exchange for sex acts. Between at least Nov. 21, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, Ayilaran met the victim nine times, usually in the morning before the victim went to school, to exchange the products for sexual acts. Ayilaran would wait for the victim in his car in a nearby park. When the victim arrived, he gave her the drugs and alcohol and then had the victim perform sex acts on him in the car.
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.
