The Christmas lights are up on Meredith House in Downtown Manassas, a newly renovated, 165-year-old house turned social club.
We're getting our first look at Christmastime events in and around Manassas, and it’s shaping up to be a season full of festive fun for the whole family.
Manassas City has a lineup of holiday happenings in early December. On Friday night, December 6, at 5:15 p.m., the city will light up with Santa Lights Manassas. Santa will arrive to bring holiday cheer and officially kick off the season with the lighting ceremony. The celebrations continue with the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, at 10 a.m. This year’s theme, Christmas in Candyland, promises a delightful parade filled with sweet surprises, from colorful floats to festive marching bands.
Following the Tuesday, November 5, 2025, General Election, Manassas Park will see a new mayor and a fresh face on the city council. Democrat Alanna M. Mensing, who ran unopposed, will assume the mayoral role, succeeding outgoing Mayor Jeanette Rishell. Mensing received 83.87% of the vote, marking a significant shift as Rishell, mayor since 2016, did not seek re-election this year.
Updated 1 a.m, November 6, 2024 — The race for Virginia’s U.S. Senate seat remains closely watched, with updated numbers showing incumbent Senator Tim Kaine in the lead:
– Tim Kaine (D): 52.43% (1,833,594 votes)
– Hung Cao (R): 47.57% (1,663,630 votes)
Currently, 2,050 of 2,536 precincts have reported, and an estimated 885,261 early votes are still outstanding, which could impact the final outcome.
Virginia’s 7th and 10th Congressional Districts
The race for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District has concluded, with all precincts reporting:
Vindman declared victory, releasing this statement via email:
Eugene Vindman
With the support of our grassroots army, we accomplished something together that many didn’t think was possible. It’s a testament to the power of the American experience, that an immigrant who escaped a Soviet Regime and came to this great nation with less than $800 in our pockets, would now stand here as a Congressman-elect of the United States House of Representatives. Thank you to my incredible wife Cindy, our two wonderful kids Max and Madi, and of course my less handsome twin Alex.”
In my 25 years of military service, and when we were jumping out of airplanes, it didn’t matter to me the color creed, background, race, or party affiliation of the person next to me. What mattered was getting the mission done. That’s the type of service I am going to take to Washington as the next Congressman from Virginia’s 7th Congressional District.
All votes have been counted in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, showing a lead for Democrat Suhas Subramanyam:
Suhas Subramanyam (D): 51.91% (206,621 votes)
Mike Clancy (R): 47.72% (189,946 votes)
“I am honored and humbled that the people of Virginia’s 10th District put their trust in me to take on the toughest fights and deliver results in Congress. This district is my home. I got married here, my wife Miranda and I are raising our daughters here, and the issues our community faces are personal to our family. It is an honor to continue serving this district in Washington,” Subramanyam posted to Twitter.
Manassas City Results
With five of six precincts reporting, the race for key positions in Manassas is nearing completion as candidates compete for mayoral, city council, and school board seats.
Manassas Mayoral Race
– E. Michelle Davis-Younger: Leads with 56.98% (7,741 votes).
– Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom**: Trails with 42.69% (5,799 votes).
– Write-In**: Accounts for 0.33% (45 votes).
Manassas City Council
The top three candidates poised to secure seats on the council are:
– Mark D. Wolfe: 19.35% (6,996 votes)
– Ashley R. Hutson: 18.52% (6,699 votes)
– Tom C. Osina: 16.40% (5,931 votes)
Close contenders include Robyn R. Williams (15.53%), Lynn Forkell Greene (15.27%), and Stephen D. Kent (14.67%), with write-ins making up 0.25% (92 votes).
Manassas School Board
The top four finishers in the school board race are:
– Suzanne Seaberg: 14.62% (6,317 votes)
– Diana Ivette Brown: 14.04% (6,063 votes)
– Zella M. Jones: 13.55% (5,851 votes)
– Dayna-Marie Miles: 13.06% (5,639 votes)
Additional candidates include A. R. “Allie” Forkell (12.53%), Javanese M. Hailey (12.44%), Maidy M. Whitesell (12.38%), and Christina S. Brooks (7.10%), with write-ins totaling 0.29% (124 votes).
These results reflect near-final standings, with only one precinct left to report. Potomac Local News will continue to track the final tallies as they come in.
CORRECTED Final Results: Manassas Park Mayoral and City Council Races
The latest and final tallies for the Manassas Park elections are in, showing decisive outcomes for both the mayoral and city council seats, all Democrats.
Mayor of Manassas Park
– Alanna M. Mensing: Won overwhelmingly with 83.78% (4,029 votes).
– Write-In Candidates: Accounted for 16.22% (780 votes).
All precincts have reported, with no early votes left to count.
### Manassas Park City Council
The top three candidates who have secured seats on the Manassas Park City Council are:
– Yesenia E. “Yesy” Amaya: 26.46% (2,739 votes)
– Darryl G. Moore: 26.26% (2,718 votes)
– Stacy J. Seiberling: 22.54% (2,333 votes)
Laura H. Hampton closely followed with 21.98% (2,275 votes) but did not secure a seat.
These results mark the final standings in Manassas Park. Potomac Local News will provide further updates if statements or additional analysis are released by the elected officials.
Town of Dumfries Council
In Dumfries, incumbents Brian K. Fields and Shaun R. Peet retain their seats, joined by newcomer Ebony E. Lofton. The final tallies are:
– Brian K. Fields: 25.60% (553 votes)
– Shaun R. Peet: 25.60% (553 votes)
– Ebony E. Lofton: 24.31% (525 votes)
Town of Haymarket Results
– Mayor: Tracy Lynn Pater, running unopposed, won with 96.47% (410 votes).
– Town Council: The top six finishers securing seats are Mary A. Ramirez (18.14%), Matthew J. Gallagher (15.03%), Joseph R. “Joe” Pasanello (14.84%), Kenneth M. “Ken” Luersen (13.81%), Justin L. Baker (13.50%), and Alexander M. Beyene (12.52%).
Town of Quantico Results
Quantico Election Results: Community Elects Mayor and Town Council
The residents of the Town of Quantico have cast their votes, finalizing the leadership for the upcoming term. The election saw competitive races for both Mayor and Town Council.
Mayor’s Race
Kevin P. Brown emerged as Mayor with 66.45% of the vote (103 votes). Write-in candidates accounted for 33.55% (52 votes), showcasing a spirited race.
Town Council Results
Quantico’s Town Council election allowed voters to select up to five candidates. Here are the official results, highlighting the top five who secured seats on the council:
MPCC will be open and operating under normal business hours on Tuesday, November 5th.
? November 5th - Election Day Information: MPCC will be open from 6am-7pm as a voting poll location for Manassas Park Precinct 2 voters.
Voters stand in line to cast their ballots at a DMV in Woodbridge.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will deploy federal monitors to observe elections in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park on Election Day. These monitors will focus on ensuring local compliance with federal voting laws, specifically related to accessibility for voters with disabilities and the availability of language assistance.
Susan Reed, the Voter Registrar for Manassas, confirmed the DOJ’s involvement, stating, “DOJ has contacted me and have agreed to allow DOJ to monitor the precincts. The DOJ monitored right after Manassas City was language required several years ago. The DOJ’s focus is ensuring localities are making progress with ADA and language requirements. I have had positive feedback and also helpful suggestions from them. The DOJ’s monitors are doing their job to ensure federal laws are being followed, and Manassas City wants to adhere to federal law.”
On Friday, November 1, at 1 p.m., Manassas Park City held its annual Veterans Flag Ceremony outside City Hall, paying tribute to the men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Led by the Manassas Park Honor Guard, the event commenced with reverence and respect as the American Legion Post 10’s Color Guard presented the colors, marking the beginning of a solemn yet celebratory occasion.
Interim City Manager Keith Nguyen welcomed attendees. Alisha Morka’s rendition of the national anthem followed as voices joined in unison to celebrate the freedoms the veterans fought to protect.
A significant moment in the ceremony came as Commissioner Charles Ziegler, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services commissioner, took the stage. A retired Navy veteran with 31 years of service, Ziegler spoke poignantly about veterans' sacrifices and the American flag's enduring symbolism. "The American flag has been the symbol of our nation's unity, as well as a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens," he remarked. "Every pledge of allegiance we take, and every flag-raising we witness is a celebration, and it honors the deeper meaning of how we live our lives and what we believe."
Reflecting on the origins of the Pledge of Allegiance, Ziegler emphasized the importance of patriotism and unity in today’s world, drawing a parallel to historical efforts to instill loyalty and respect for the nation. "With all the distractions that we have today, how many of us think about patriotism?" he asked the crowd. "The raising of our flag and our pledge of allegiance embodies patriotism, sacrifice, devotion, security, and loyalty."
The Honor Guard formally raised the veterans flag, followed by remarks from Constantine Ferssizidis, Board Member of the Northern Virginia Veterans Association, and Josh Himan, a combat-injured Marine and Hylton High School graduate. Himan shared his personal story, highlighting his journey from civilian life to the Marine Corps and his experiences in Afghanistan, where he sustained severe injuries. He credited the support of Semper Fi & America’s Fund with helping him and his family through his recovery. "They were always with me from the very beginning," he said. "I’m proud to say that Semper Fi has grown to help all branches, supporting over 33,000 veterans across this nation."
Councilmember Laura Hampton offered a local perspective, sharing stories of veterans from the Manassas area and underscoring their essential role in the community. “Veterans are the very lifeblood of a thriving and vibrant community,” Hampton stated, adding, “The best way to honor veterans' service is to speak their names, share their stories, and remember their contributions to our country.” She recounted a meeting with local veterans, including Harry Humphrey, a Vietnam veteran who served in the 293rd Engineer Battalion Transportation Company. She called it an honor to witness and share their legacy.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Nguyen, who expressed deep gratitude to all veterans present and nationwide. “As we gather here today, may we continue to honor and support those who served and remember that the freedoms we enjoy are owed to their sacrifices,” he stated.
The Manassas Park Veterans Flag Ceremony poignantly reminds the city of its dedication to honoring its veterans, recognizing their contributions to national security and their integral role in the community. In Manassas Park and Prince William County, veterans make up a significant part of the population, strengthening local businesses, enriching community values, and shaping future generations with their resilience and service.
Stafford County voters wait to cast absentee in-person ballots before the November 5, 2024 General Election.
As early voting continues across the area, the voter turnout for 2024 reflects shifts in participation compared to previous election cycles, with mixed trends between mail-in and in-person ballots.
Personal Property Tax bills are due on 11/6. If you wish to pay your bill online, by check, you may need a new account number. Please call/email our Customer Service team at 703-361-9306 or [email protected]. Provide your name, address, and old account number. pic.twitter.com/YlduZMp0Jc
As the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) heads into 2025, its proposed budget reflects its challenges and opportunities in a post-COVID world. The budget discussed at the October 18, 2024, Operations Board meeting outlines plans to support ridership recovery, maintain reliable service, and position VRE for future growth as a regional rail provider.
VRE, like many public transit systems, saw a significant decline in ridership during the pandemic. However, the 2025 budget aims to address passengers' slow but steady recovery by investing in enhanced service offerings and critical infrastructure projects. These efforts are intended to transform VRE from a commuter-focused system to a broader regional transportation network.
On Friday, November 1, at 1 p.m., Manassas Park City held its annual Veterans Flag Ceremony outside City Hall, paying tribute to the men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Led by the Manassas Park Honor Guard, the event commenced with reverence and respect as the American Legion Post 10’s Color Guard presented the colors, marking the beginning of a solemn yet celebratory occasion.
Interim City Manager Keith Nguyen welcomed attendees. Alisha Morka’s rendition of the national anthem followed as voices joined in unison to celebrate the freedoms the veterans fought to protect.
A significant moment in the ceremony came as Commissioner Charles Ziegler, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services commissioner, took the stage. A retired Navy veteran with 31 years of service, Ziegler spoke poignantly about veterans' sacrifices and the American flag's enduring symbolism. "The American flag has been the symbol of our nation's unity, as well as a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens," he remarked. "Every pledge of allegiance we take, and every flag-raising we witness is a celebration, and it honors the deeper meaning of how we live our lives and what we believe."
Reflecting on the origins of the Pledge of Allegiance, Ziegler emphasized the importance of patriotism and unity in today’s world, drawing a parallel to historical efforts to instill loyalty and respect for the nation. "With all the distractions that we have today, how many of us think about patriotism?" he asked the crowd. "The raising of our flag and our pledge of allegiance embodies patriotism, sacrifice, devotion, security, and loyalty."
The Honor Guard formally raised the veterans flag, followed by remarks from Constantine Ferssizidis, Board Member of the Northern Virginia Veterans Association, and Josh Himan, a combat-injured Marine and Hylton High School graduate. Himan shared his personal story, highlighting his journey from civilian life to the Marine Corps and his experiences in Afghanistan, where he sustained severe injuries. He credited the support of Semper Fi & America’s Fund with helping him and his family through his recovery. "They were always with me from the very beginning," he said. "I’m proud to say that Semper Fi has grown to help all branches, supporting over 33,000 veterans across this nation."
Councilmember Laura Hampton offered a local perspective, sharing stories of veterans from the Manassas area and underscoring their essential role in the community. “Veterans are the very lifeblood of a thriving and vibrant community,” Hampton stated, adding, “The best way to honor veterans' service is to speak their names, share their stories, and remember their contributions to our country.” She recounted a meeting with local veterans, including Harry Humphrey, a Vietnam veteran who served in the 293rd Engineer Battalion Transportation Company. She called it an honor to witness and share their legacy.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Nguyen, who expressed deep gratitude to all veterans present and nationwide. “As we gather here today, may we continue to honor and support those who served and remember that the freedoms we enjoy are owed to their sacrifices,” he stated.
The Manassas Park Veterans Flag Ceremony poignantly reminds the city of its dedication to honoring its veterans, recognizing their contributions to national security and their integral role in the community. In Manassas Park and Prince William County, veterans make up a significant part of the population, strengthening local businesses, enriching community values, and shaping future generations with their resilience and service.
