The 2024 election results for Manassas signal a shift in the city’s political landscape.
While Democratic Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger retained her seat with a notable 56.91% of the vote, Republicans have made meaningful inroads, building on a newfound organizational strength seen across the state as conservatives embraced Virginia’s early voting system in record numbers. In what has become one of the city’s most contentious elections in recent memory, conservatives leveraged social media and new voices, such as the “Until They Kick Us Out” podcast, to rally supporters and draw attention to their causes. The Republican Party’s increased cohesion and visibility hint at a changing dynamic in a city once considered solidly Democratic.
This year’s council race underscores this shift. In 2020, Democratic incumbents Pamela Sebesky and Mark Wolfe received strong backing, with Sebesky leading with 20.7% (8,532 votes) and Wolfe close behind.
This year’s City Council results paint a different picture: not a single candidate reached the high vote totals of 2020. With Democratic candidates Ashley R. Hutson, Tom C. Osina, and Wolfe each earning lower percentages than before, it’s clear that voter support has become more dispersed. Sebesky did not seek re-election. This suggests a competitive landscape where no candidate has a guaranteed stronghold, pointing to an increasingly divided electorate.
In a shift for the Manassas City School Board, Republican-backed candidate Dayna-Marie Miles will now join conservative board member Sara Brescia, who has been a vocal presence since her election in 2022. Miles’ election signals a potential shift in policy focus and priorities on the school board as it navigates pressing challenges of accreditation, truancy, failing test scores, and teacher retention.
This election cycle wasn’t just competitive; it was particularly nasty. In the heat of the campaign, text messages allegedly exchanged between former Manassas Regional Airport Commission Chairman Ross Snare, Mayor Davis-Younger, and a city employee were publicly shared, with disparaging remarks directed at a council member. This so-called “text-gate” led to Snare’s resignation and fueled the polarized political atmosphere, where even those not running for office felt the repercussions.
The controversy around “text-gate” highlights a broader issue in Manassas politics: a hyper-partisan environment that has emerged since 2020. Democrats in city leadership have largely appointed like-minded individuals to board and commission positions and fill vacant council seats. For some residents, this has led to feelings of alienation. Many have chastised Mayor Davis-Younger for seeming to dismiss or avoid engaging with perspectives that don’t align with her own, creating an atmosphere where dissenting voices feel marginalized.
We at Potomac Local News have criticized the mayor for personalizing politics, valuing positive press, and maintaining control over her narrative. While Mayor Davis-Younger frequently uses the phrase “Our Manassas” to promote unity, that unity often seems conditional—extended only to those who support her leadership.
Her continued reluctance to grant a sit-down interview to Potomac Local News, despite our repeated requests since 2019, is a testament to her aversion to critical coverage. However, she recently promised to give us her first interview post-reelection. If she honors this commitment, it could signal a readiness to engage more openly with the press and residents with differing viewpoints.
The inroads Republicans have made this election should be a wake-up call for Manassas Democrats. With conservatives gaining ground across the city and state, it’s clear that the electorate has been evolving since President Donald Trump’s first term when Democrats posted significant gains in local and state-level offices.
For those in power, governing solely for a base of loyal supporters may no longer be sufficient—or sustainable. As seen in the City Council race, no single candidate can now assume widespread support and future victories will likely depend on a broader coalition.
Democrats in Manassas must recognize the changing political landscape and adapt by genuinely embracing diverse perspectives and governing the entire community. In Virginia’s annual election cycle, political tides can shift quickly, and the lessons of 2024 should serve as a reminder that leadership, inclusivity, and responsiveness to all constituents—not just loyalists—are essential in a city as dynamic as Manassas.
It’s time to do what’s best for Prince William County and move forward with the Digital Gateway. Approved by the Board of County Supervisors in December 2023, the Digital Gateway’s implementation has been slowed due to legal proceedings meant to stop it despite years of discussion, debate, and public hearings that led to approval by the Board of County Supervisors.
Opponents are focused on burdening our legal system with proceedings to challenge the Digital Gateway’s approval even though the Prince William courts have already dismissed one case with prejudice because it lacks merit. Today, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors will ask the County Circuit Court to dismiss another lawsuit filed by a former State Senator that would halt the Digital Gateway Project.
The Chamber is sensitive to the issues that were raised during the years of debate on the Digital Gateway. However, those issues were addressed during the approval process and safeguards put in place to ensure the Digital Gateway meets the most stringent standards.
It is time now that we come together as a community to move forward and implement the vision of the Digital Gateway. We’ve seen in Loudoun County the tax benefits it has reaped because of data centers. From 2018 – 2022, they received about $2.3 billion in tax revenue according to a George Mason University analysis. That has meant more revenue for its schools as well as less reliance on residential taxes.
Imagine what that tax revenue would do for Prince William County to fund its priorities such as schools, parks and affordable housing initiatives as well as relief to homeowners’ taxes. These are important priorities for the Chamber and all of us.
It is time to stop the legal delays and move forward with the Digital Gateway for the benefit of the community.
From Lynn Forkell Greene, Manassas City Council candidate:
Three years ago, I joined a grassroots movement to save the Greater Manassas Baseball League (GMBL), an organization that serves as the heart and soul of our local sports community. Today, GMBL stands on the precipice of an uncertain future. The crucial question now is: Will Micron move forward with its option to purchase the E.G. Smith Baseball Complex, or will they stand down? Why have the current Council and Interim City Manager been so silent toward the GMBL Board?
For me, preserving GMBL isn’t just about baseball—it’s about standing up for transparency, integrity, and authentic representation in Manassas.
When GMBL was threatened by a public sale, I mobilized parents, players, and local supporters, making it clear that youth sports are integral to our community’s identity and the development of our children. Thanks to these efforts, GMBL’s advocates managed to secure renewed Council commitment to preserving our fields and youth sports. But now, more than ever, we must continue the fight.
This moment represents more than the future of GMBL; it’s a choice for Manassas residents. Will we elect leaders who genuinely reflect our values, or allow those in power to prioritize hidden agendas? The Micron deal with the city expires this week, and yet City Hall has maintained years of silence despite public assurances of a new home for GMBL. Micron now waits on a city response, and the stakes have never been higher.
Micron’s decision looms: will they prioritize corporate interests over their promises, or honor their commitments until we have leaders who represent us effectively? GMBL’s fate—and by extension, our community’s future—rests on who we elect in this coming election. If Micron proceeds with the purchase, GMBL will need a new home, and current city leaders will have failed to keep their word.
The ongoing issues surrounding GMBL and Micron’s role highlight the power of democracy rooted in accountability. My advocacy has shown that as constituents, we must demand transparency and genuine representation. Election day is our opportunity to ensure our voices are heard.
This movement is bigger than one baseball league; it’s about preserving democracy and reinforcing community values. By casting your vote, you uphold these principles and demand leadership that works for all of us.
Manassas City voters can cast their ballots early through Saturday at the Registrar’s office at 9025 Center Street or at their regular polling places on election day, Tuesday, November 5.
Let’s make the right choice for our city’s future.
Forkell Greene, a Republican, is seeking her first full term on the council after she won a special election in November 2021 to complete the term of then-council member Michelle Davis Younger, who was elected city mayor in 2020. Forkell Greene’s term expired in December 2022.
As Manassas prepares for Election Day on November 5, 2024, Mayor Michelle Davis Younger’s actions during her time in office have shown a concerning pattern: a tendency to make politics personal, holding grudges against those who disagree with her, and even daring to ask challenging questions.
Mayor Davis Younger has consistently demonstrated that she only values positive press and wants to control the narrative about her time in office. Her use of the phrase “Our Manassas” over the past four years implies a sense of unity, but it’s a unity that seems conditional—only extending to those who fully support her vision and leadership. Anyone who questions her motives or approach, whether political opponents or local journalists, finds themselves on the receiving end of her ire.
A striking example of this came during a voter forum organized by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce on October 1, 2024. Davis Younger expressed frustration that it wasn’t a debate where she could directly challenge her opponent, Xiao Yin “Tang” Byrom. But beyond that, she made her distaste for Potomac Local’s presence known, stating, “They invited a journalist that has never said anything nice about me.” This comment is baffling, given that we have written several positive articles about her, covering her community initiatives like “Walks with the Mayor” and “Friday Lunch with the Mayor.”
However, it seems the mayor’s definition of “nice” only applies to outlets that avoid asking critical questions. Despite our efforts to provide balanced coverage, including following up with direct questions and covering her public meetings, Davis Younger has refused to grant us an interview since announcing her candidacy for mayor in 2019.
It was only under pressure, during this election season, that she finally provided an exclusive statement—but only after being confronted by a freelance reporter at an early voting polling station. Her disdain for open dialogue and transparency with the press speaks volumes about how she views the role of media in politics.
Even more troubling, Mayor Davis Younger has played the victim card, lamenting to a majority Black congregation at First Baptist Church of Manassas that she has faced “hate” as the first Black woman to serve as Manassas mayor. While there is no denying the unfortunate reality of discrimination, the mayor’s reluctance to elaborate on these claims or provide specific examples raises questions about whether she is using identity as a shield from legitimate criticism.
This pattern of personalizing politics extends beyond the press. Stories have emerged from citizens like Simone Reddington, host of the “Until They Kick Us Out” podcast, who recounted how Davis Younger refused to speak with her after a “Lunch with the Mayor” event because she knew Reddington supported her opponent. Such behavior is not only unprofessional but undemocratic. A mayor should be willing to engage with all constituents, regardless of their political affiliations.
As voters in Manassas head to the polls, they should ask themselves: Do we want a mayor who makes politics personal and retaliates against those who question her, or do we want a leader who can handle dissent with grace and foster an open, inclusive environment for all? The future of “Our Manassas” depends on that answer.
As we all have learned, especially over the past four years, if you are a Christian, conservative, Republican, or just a parent who is concerned about your kids, then you have a target on your back.
We all watched in horror as The American Federation of Teachers, under the control of Randi Weingarten, decided she and her left-leaning cohorts knew better than parents. Therefore as a result of her misguided egotistical rant, she encouraged Joe Biden’s DOJ to classify these caring moms and dads as domestic terrorists. As a result, parents across the US have been harassed by Biden’s DOJ and FBI, and accused of domestic terrorism and a threat to the safety and democracy of our country.
Somehow, the media have convinced the establishment politicians, media, and those who support them to believe that if you don’t indoctrinate your kids with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, you are a bigot. If you believe in two genders or don’t want your kids taught about sex in kindergarten, then you are a threat to civilization. Our children are being turned into good little social justice warriors, while they are failing miserably in math and science. There is no longer time for these pesky subjects when we have BLM and LGBTQ lessons to learn. They replace the American flag with the Pride flag while forcing children to celebrate mental illness.
What in the world has happened to the press? Aren’t they supposed to be part of our check and balance system? You know — investigating fraud, government, and politicians to keep them honest? When did this change? Today, American citizens are censored and attacked, arrested, and jailed for simply having an opinion that goes against the left-wing narrative.
These are dangerous times. What a joke the so-called media has become!
Leigh Bravo
Gainesville
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“This Natural Waterfall [in south Stafford] is one of the features that will be along the proposed Historic Ferry Farm to Cannon Ridge Waterfall Riverfront Trail. The waterfall is on over 1,000 acres of Conservation Easement riverfront land that runs for miles upstream on the Stafford side of the River into four Counties. Currently, there is no public access to the Waterfall except by boat on the Rappahannock River. The proposed trail would finally provide Public Access to the Conservation land.”
“We must secure access to the easement land before the developers try to create private access to the public lands. The Trails need to be Free to Stafford and Fredericksburg Residents. We should also give Spotsylvania the option to buy in as a regional park.”
— Joe Brito, Stafford
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“Universities get about a trillion dollars a year from taxpayers. On average about 90%+ of contributions from university faculty and staff go to leftist causes and candidates.
So essentially we are being forced to not only subsidize the leftist indoctrination of our children. We’re being forced to subsidize the campaigns of the politicians who continuously advocate for more of your tax dollars going to hyper-leftist universities.
And the moment you question this, you will be told you’re “anti-education.”
We’re not “anti-education,” we just think if universities sitting on billion-dollar endowments are doing such a great job, they should be able to convince us to give them our money, instead of convincing politicians to confiscate it and give it to them.”
— Virignia Delegate Nicholas Frietas on X
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It was a short drive from her school, and the city provided us with a chance to get to know one another better. Its backdrop was culture, fun things to do, restaurants, and what seemed to be a never-ending number of places where we could peer back into our nation’s both celebrated and troubled past.
I can remember walking along Monument Avenue at night, looking at the illuminated statues, and the gorgeous homes that lined the boulevard. I viewed these monuments, in what had been the capital city of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, not as something glorious or objects to celebrate but as a reminder of how the Civil War tore the country apart and as a reminder of the stain of slavery left on our nation.
The statues were constant reminders of our past, and reminders not to repeat the same mistakes again.
The statues, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and placed there in the late 19th century during reconciliation, are now a memory. Black Lives Matter protesters defaced them in 2020, and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney removed them the next year, placing them in a statue graveyard (location undisclosed) and transferring their ownership from the people to the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
He couldn’t move them to a national park or battlefield, like the ones we have here in Fredericksburg or Manassas. He sent them away from public view to send a message: This history won’t be tolerated in this city or anywhere else.
Now, the same people who celebrated their removal say they’re disappointed the city has not replaced the statues with something as pleasing. In fact, all that’s there now is some mulch, plants, and trees—a far cry from the historical significance of what once stood.
“I’m not sure I can even put into words what I see other than disappointment. There’s nothing there that has any meaning or purpose,” Caroline Bowers, who participated in the 2020 rallies and marches told WTVR-TV. “I was hoping for maybe a park-like setting where you could come and you could sit and you could kind of feel and reminisce what happened here.”
Stoney told the TV station he has no plan to replace the statutes and will instead divert city funds to other parts of the city. The Democrat hopes to be Virginia’s next governor. He is challenging Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D) for their party’s nomination in 2025.
People from across the U.S. went to what was the Confederacy’s capital to see the statues and learn the history of the Civil War. Now, the city is said to have the appearance of a communist Democratic Republic.
“Only Richmond could take one of its premier tourist attractions and the only street in America that was on the National Register of Historic Places… and turn it into a scene from East Germany,” one user posted to WTVR’s Facebook page.
“Those who voted for those statues to be taken down, couldn’t see past their hatred to even consider what they might put as a replacement. They were just so anxious to get them down, and for all of those folks who voted to take them down, I sure hope you feel good and you sleep better at night. Ignorance at its finest,” wrote another.
Residents like Bowers, who cheered when the historic monuments were defaced and removed, allowed themselves to be hoodwinked, played, and taken advantage of. Three years later, her neighborhood is no better off, and tourists no longer have a reason to visit the place history buffs flocked to and authors wrote about.
I’ve often heard, “The left likes to tear down because it’s easy. It doesn’t like to build anything, because that’s hard.”
This must be what they mean.
Uriah Kiser is the founder and publisher of Potomac Local News.
By Derrick Wood
Dumfries Mayor
This year marks a significant milestone for the Town of Dumfries, Virginia — our 275th anniversary. As the oldest continuously chartered town in Virginia, we have a rich history to celebrate and an exciting future to look forward to. This dual focus on our past and future is the cornerstone of our upcoming celebrations, including a gala at the National Marine Corps Museum and a vibrant community festival.
Our Historic Roots and Resilient Spirit
Founded in 1749, Dumfries once thrived as a bustling port town, serving as a critical economic hub in colonial Virginia. Our strategic location along Quantico Creek made us a natural choice for trade, particularly in tobacco. However, as the creek silted, the town faced economic challenges that necessitated adaptation and resilience.
Despite these shifts, our community’s spirit has never wavered. Over the centuries, Dumfries has continuously transformed itself, overcoming adversity and forging new paths forward. Our resilience has paved the way for a resurgence, setting the stage for transformative developments that promise a bright future for our residents.
A New Chapter of Growth
The present and future of Dumfries are as exciting as our historical past. Today, we are witnessing transformative developments that redefine our town’s landscape and economic outlook. The $500 million redevelopment of a former landfill into the Rose Gaming Resort is a headline example, promising to become a new entertainment and hospitality hub in the region.
Additionally, the future construction of two communities for residents aged 55 and older, and over 250 new residential units on Main Street, are reshaping our town’s demographics and boosting our local economy. The realignment of Route 1 and the revitalization of Main Street are also underway, enhancing accessibility and rejuvenating our historic downtown area.
Celebrate With Us
To commemorate our 275th anniversary, we are hosting a gala on May 10th at the National Marine Corps Museum, followed by a two-day festival filled with activities, fireworks, historical displays, and entertainment. These events are not only a celebration of our rich history but also an exhibition of the vibrant community spirit that defines Dumfries today.
We invite residents and friends from near and far to join us in these celebrations. Whether you’re a history buff, a local business owner, or a family looking for a weekend of fun and education, there’s something for everyone at our anniversary events.
An Invitation to Potomac Local Readers
To our readers at Potomac Local, your participation in these events would not only enrich the celebrations but also help in spreading the word about the positive changes taking place in our town. We encourage you to come and discover the historical charm and modern vibrancy of Dumfries as we honor our past and embrace our future.
We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you and to continuing to write the story of Dumfries together.
