Updated 11:52 p.m — In a tightly contested race, Eugene Vindman emerged victorious over Republican Derrick M. Anderson in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, securing a seat that will keep the district under Democratic control. Vindman’s win fills the seat previously held by Abigail Spanberger, who chose not to seek re-election and is widely speculated to be considering a run for Virginia governor in 2025.
However, Anderson has not conceded the race. “The media calling the #VA07 race before all votes have been reported is premature. This is still too close to call,” Anderson posted to X. “Over ten thousand votes – including Election Day votes, early votes, & mail-in votes – are yet to be reported. This race & the voters deserve more time.”
Vindman’s campaign, which saw significant financial backing, raised an impressive $15.7 million and spent $13.4 million. His opponent, Anderson, reported $2.4 million in receipts and $2 million in expenditures, underscoring the scale of Vindman’s campaign efforts. Vindman captured 51.51% of the vote with 191,435 ballots in his favor, while Anderson garnered 48.22% with 179,200 votes.
Results Highlight Prince William County’s Role
The results across Virginia’s 7th District highlight the varied political landscape within the region. Prince William County, the district’s most populous county, leaned strongly Democratic in the election, with Vindman receiving 65.73% of the vote there.
Known for its growing suburban population and diverse communities, Prince William County has consistently voted Democratic in recent years, further solidifying its status as a crucial party stronghold.
In contrast, other counties within the district, such as Culpeper, Greene, and King George, showed strong support for Republican candidate Derrick Anderson, with each giving him well over 60% of the vote. These rural and traditionally conservative counties counterbalanced the Democratic backing of Prince William and Fredericksburg.
Vindman’s Statement of Thanks and Vision for Service
In his victory speech, Vindman expressed gratitude to his supporters, acknowledging the “grassroots army” that propelled his campaign. Reflecting on his journey from an immigrant who fled Soviet oppression to a U.S. Congressman-elect, Vindman shared, “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.”
Vindman, a retired U.S. Army officer, highlighted his commitment to service. “In my 25 years of military service, 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,” he said, adding that he intends to bring this mission-focused approach to Washington.
Vindman will be sworn in to represent Virginia’s 7th Congressional District. He pledges to serve all constituents as he embarks on his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In Stafford County, the 2024 presidential election results indicate a tightening race compared to the 2020 election, with former President Donald Trump (R) making substantial gains against Democratic candidate Kamala D. Harris (D). With all 37 precincts reporting, this shift reflects a broader trend of narrowing Democratic leads in the area, as Trump managed to close the margin since the last presidential race.
In the 2020 election, Democratic candidate Joe Biden received 40,245 votes (52.5%) in Stafford County, compared to Trump’s 37,636 votes (48.5%), giving Democrats a lead of 2,609 votes. This year, Kamala Harris secured 39,616 votes (49.19%), just edging out Trump, who garnered 39,331 votes (48.83%). This reduction in the margin between Democrats and Republicans, down to a mere 285 votes, demonstrates the former president’s influence and his ability to mobilize voters in the region, even in a year where Democrats maintain a slight overall lead.
Statewide, as of 11 p.m., Harris holds a narrow edge with 50.22% of the vote, totaling 1,681,097 votes, while Trump has captured 47.59% with 1,592,962 votes. These results showcase a tight contest across Virginia, underscoring a significant political shift in many regions that once leaned more decisively toward Democrats.
The near split in Stafford County mirrors Virginia’s competitive political landscape this election cycle, as both parties continue to vie for influence in a state that has shown fluctuating support for both Democrats and Republicans over recent elections.
Join us November 4 from 7-9 p.m. for the 14th Annual Band Together to Fight Hunger event. Support this initiative for the @FredFoodVA . Bring a non-perishable food item for admission or donate at https://t.co/nm79VLsJuE#BandTogetherToFightHunger #ElevateStafford pic.twitter.com/Hvjq164f1v
— Stafford Schools (@SCPSchools) November 1, 2024
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced emergency measures on the Route 1 bridge over the Rappahannock River, commonly known as the Falmouth Bridge between Fredericksburg and Stafford County, as crews begin urgent structural repairs.
Starting last night, Friday, November 1, 2024, new vehicle weight limits of 16 tons for single-unit vehicles and 24 tons for tractor-trailers will be enforced, and the northbound right lane will be closed. These actions follow recent inspections revealing accelerated deterioration of the bridge’s structural steel in several areas, prompting VDOT to reduce traffic flow as a safety measure.
VDOT Fredericksburg District Engineer Marcie Parker emphasized the urgency of the repairs. “Many area residents cross Falmouth Bridge multiple times a day as part of their daily travel, and we know how critical it is to keep the Fredericksburg region moving, whether the trip is to work or school or you are a business owner making a delivery. We will work urgently to conduct these spot structural steel repairs and reopen all lanes as we advance efforts to accelerate the larger Falmouth Bridge project,” said Parker.
Inspection Results and Repair Needs
We reported on the bridge’s poor structural rating in June after inspectors observed deteriorating support elements. Since then, VDOT engineers have conducted further inspections to assess the bridge’s condition and identified areas where structural steel has weakened near the northbound right lane. The lane closure will remain in effect for several months until repairs are complete, reducing northbound Route 1 traffic to a single lane from Charles Street in Fredericksburg to Carter Street in Stafford County.
To assist drivers, message boards displaying the weight restrictions have been posted along Route 1, while VDOT fabricates permanent signs.
Bridge Condition and Upcoming Rehabilitation
Constructed in 1943, the Falmouth Bridge carries approximately 38,000 vehicles daily and serves as an alternative to Interstate 95. VDOT annually inspects the bridge, but due to its deteriorating condition, this summer’s assessment was expanded to gather details for an $86.2 million rehabilitation project scheduled in the state’s Six-Year Improvement Program.
“We’re reducing the weight of our heaviest vehicles on this bridge and closing a single lane as safety precautions,” said Parker. “But we would not hesitate to close the entire bridge if it was warranted for safety.”
Traffic Impacts and Alternatives
VDOT will monitor and adjust regional traffic signal timing to alleviate congestion caused by the lane closure. Vehicles that exceed the weight limit must use one of three other Rappahannock River crossings—Interstate 95, Route 3’s Blue and Gray Parkway, or Chatham Bridge on Route 3 Business.
Despite these changes, the pedestrian and bicycle path along the northbound right lane of the bridge will remain open for now, as it does not significantly impact bridge stress. However, access could be restricted once full construction begins.
Ongoing Project Updates
As VDOT continues with the emergency repairs, Fredericksburg area travelers will observe increased construction activity, including crews working beneath the bridge. Updates on the project’s progress will be posted on VDOT’s website.
With no cost estimate available yet, the emergency repairs will be funded through state bridge maintenance funds. VDOT is urging commuters to plan ahead for delays and exercise caution while the bridge is under construction.
The holiday season is kicking off with a festive celebration as Stafford County prepares for its annual Christmas Tree Lighting event, which will take place on December 6 at the George L. Gordon, Jr. Government Center, located at 1300 Courthouse Road.
This year’s event promises an extra sprinkle of holiday cheer, as Santa Claus himself will make a special appearance, offering families the chance to capture memorable photos and share their Christmas wish lists. The festivities will include plenty of opportunities for photos, holiday decorations, and the chance to enjoy the beautiful illumination of the county’s Christmas tree, set against the scenic backdrop of Stafford Parks.
The event is a family-friendly gathering that invites residents of all ages to celebrate and spread holiday cheer.
Stafford County Tree Lighting is a cherished local tradition. It symbolizes the warmth and togetherness of the holiday season in the community. For more information, visit staffordcountytreelighting.com.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will meet on November 7, 2024, to discuss proposed adjustments to the 2025 holiday calendar for county employees. County Administrator Bill Ashton recommends extending the holiday schedule to offer more paid time off for government staff, aligning with similar provisions in the Virginia state holiday calendar but with additional enhancements.
Proposed Holiday Adjustments
The recommended changes include:
1. Full Day Off Before Thanksgiving: Traditionally, state and county calendars allow for a half-day holiday on the day before Thanksgiving, followed by Thanksgiving Day and the day after. The board regularly amends this to a full-day holiday, a tradition they aim to continue in 2025.
2. Full Day on Christmas Eve: For Christmas Eve 2025, Virginia has scheduled a half-day holiday. The county proposes extending this to a full day off, granting employees an uninterrupted holiday experience.
3. Floating Holiday in Place of Good Friday: In 2024, Stafford County introduced a floating holiday, which employees could take on Good Friday or use any other day of their choice within the year. This flexibility will continue for 2025, though it is a “use-it-or-lose-it” benefit that won’t carry over year to year.
If you don’t plan on voting early, make sure to double-check your current polling place on the Virginia Department of Elections website. On Election Day, polling places will be open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Here’s a comprehensive list of early voting locations along with ways to access sample ballots.
Prince William County
Prince William County has six early voting locations, including:
- Woodbridge Department of Motor Vehicles, 2731 Caton Hill Road
- A.J. Ferlazzo Building, 15941 Donald Curtis Drive (Woodbridge)
- Dumfries Community Center, 17757 Main St.
- Haymarket Gainesville Library, 14780 Lightner Road (Haymarket)
- Prince William County Office of Elections, 9250 Lee Ave. (Manassas)
- Brentsville Courthouse, 12229 Bristow Road
The county has a website where voters can check the wait times at each location before heading out to the location. Check out the sample ballots before heading to the polls.
City of Manassas
Early voting is available in the City of Manassas at 9025 Center St. from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The city has six Election Day polling places.
Here is a sample ballot to check before heading to the polls.
Manassas Park
In Manassas Park, early voting is available at City Hall (100 Park Central Plaza) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. There are three polling places for Election Day, and can be found on the state’s website or on a searchable spreadsheet.
Here’s a sample ballot to check out before heading to the polls.
Stafford County
Early voting is available at the new location of the Registrar’s Office at 124 Old Potomac Church Road Suite 205 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. There are several polling places on Election Day, so be sure to check the state’s or Stafford County’s websites.
Here’s a sample ballot.
City of Fredericksburg
City of Fredericksburg residents can head out to the Office of Voter Registration and Elections for early voting, located at 601 Caroline St. Suite 500 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
There are a few precincts in the city, so check your specific polling place through the state’s or Fredericksburg’s websites.
Here’s a sample ballot.
Spotsylvania County
Early voting is available in Spotsylvania County at the Lee Hill 1 Building (10300 Spotsylvania Ave., Suite 101) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Check your specific Election Day polling place at the state’s website.
Here’s a sample ballot.
On November 5, 2024, all Stafford offices and courts will be closed for Election Day. However, the R-Board/Regional Landfills will be open, and emergency services along with outdoor parks will still operate as usual.
Press Release:
Stafford offices, departments, facilities, and all courts will be closed on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for Election Day.
Both locations of the R-Board/Regional Landfill (Eskimo Hill and Belman Road) will be open on Election Day.
The following offices and facilities will remain open:
Fire and Rescue Information (540) 658-7200
Emergency 911
Sheriff’s Office Information (540) 658-4400
Emergency 911
Magistrate (540) 659-2968
All outdoor parks are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
From the Stafford sheriff’s office:
A 48-year-old Woodbridge woman earned her fourth DUI after deciding to exit I-95 into Stafford County.
On October 25th at approximately 11:50 p.m. Deputy C.A. Osborne responded to a drunk driver complaint. The caller advised a Toyota was serving around traffic and nearly struck two vehicles while traveling South on I-95. Luckily, the driver decided to take the 140 exit and proceeded towards Wonder Road. That is when Deputy Osborne located the vehicle and made contact with the driver.
The driver, identified as Blanca Azucena Herrera Argueta, had signs of intoxication, including glassy, bloodshot eyes and the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from her breath. She would state her cousin was actually the driver, but magically disappeared right before Deputy Osborne arrived. When that lie was dissolved, field sobriety tests began.
Herrera was detained and transported to the Sheriff’s Office for a blood draw. There, she would resist and began rolling around on the floor in an attempt to delay the procedure. After her performance, she was transported to Rappahannock Regional Jail. There she was charged with driving under the influence fourth offense within ten years, second offense refusal, obstruction of justice, driving after forfeiture of her license, and driving while revoked. She was held without bond.
