Sabrina Mattin is one of four candidates on the Oct. 4 Democratic Firehouse Primary ballot in the Braddock supervisor’s race.
BURKE, VA — Keeping Fairfax affordable for every family — seniors, young professionals, parents, and future generations — is the issue that Sabrina Mattin says defines her campaign for the open Braddock District seat on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
“I’ve seen firsthand how rising property taxes, housing costs, and everyday expenses are squeezing families out of the communities they love,” she said. “As a lifelong Fairfax resident, FCPS and UVA graduate, small business owner, and Walkinshaw-appointed Braddock Small Business Commissioner, I’ve spent over a decade helping small businesses grow, supporting seniors, and strengthening our community. My work has shown me that affordability isn’t just about housing — it’s about whether families can stay here, whether our children can build their future here, and whether small businesses can thrive here.”
When incumbent James Walkinshaw (D-Braddock) defeated Republican challenger Stewart Whitson on Sept. 9 to fill the congressional seat held by U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D), who died in May, Walkinshaw’s seat on the Fairfax Board of Supervisors became vacant.
After a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge called for a Dec. 9 special election to fill the vacant board seat, the Fairfax County Democratic Committee scheduled a firehouse primary for Oct. 4, from 9 a.m to 5 p.m., at the following three locations:
Braddock District Supervisor’s Office, 9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke
Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax
Landings Community Center, 6001 Cove Landing Road, Burke
Online early voting will be available Oct. 2-4. More information on how to vote in the primary is available on the Fairfax County Democrats website.
Four candidates are running to represent the Democrats on the Dec. 9 special election ballot: Mattin, Rachna Sizemore Heizer, Illryong Moon, and April Pavis Shroeder. The primary winner will face Republican Ken Balbuena on Dec. 9.
The Braddock District Democratic Committee is hosting a candidates forum on Monday, Sept. 29, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway. Register online.
As part of its coverage of the Oct. 4 primary, Patch has asked each of the Democrats in the race to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they’re the best person to represent their party in December. The following are Mattin’s responses.
Name
Sabrina Mattin
What will be your age on election day?
What is your occupation and the number of years you’ve worked in this field?
Business Owner/Economic Development Advisor
What is the single issue that defines your candidacy?
The single issue that defines my candidacy is keeping Fairfax affordable for every family — seniors, young professionals, parents, and future generations.
I’ve seen firsthand how rising property taxes, housing costs, and everyday expenses are squeezing families out of the communities they love. As a lifelong Fairfax resident, FCPS and UVA graduate, small business owner, and Walkinshaw-appointed Braddock Small Business Commissioner, I’ve spent over a decade helping small businesses grow, supporting seniors, and strengthening our community. My work has shown me that affordability isn’t just about housing — it’s about whether families can stay here, whether our children can build their future here, and whether small businesses can thrive here.
That’s why I will fight to ease the property tax burden, preserve affordable housing, expand homeownership opportunities, and support local entrepreneurs with the tools, incubators, and access to capital they need to grow. By linking strong schools, smarter transportation, and a future-ready economy to affordability, I will deliver results that ensure Fairfax remains a place where everyone — not just the wealthy — can live, work, and succeed.
Affordability isn’t just a policy. It’s the promise of a Fairfax where every family has the chance to thrive.
What makes you the best candidate to represent the Democratic Party in the Dec. 9 special election?
I am the best candidate to represent Democrats in the Dec. 9 special election because Braddock is not just where I live—it is my heart, my home, and my highest responsibility.
I’m a lifelong Fairfax resident, FCPS and UVA graduate, small business owner, and Walkinshaw-appointed Braddock Small Business Commissioner. Over more than a decade, I’ve delivered results for our community—helping small businesses grow, supporting seniors, expanding opportunity, and serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, standing up for foster children who need a voice.
What sets me apart is not only my record, but my pledge of complete accessibility and dedication. I will maintain a 48-hour response guarantee and an open-door policy so every Braddock resident knows their voice will be heard and acted upon. This role will be my single, undivided priority—I have no competing agenda, no higher ambition, nothing more important than serving Braddock families.
I will be the Supervisor who listens, responds, and delivers. Whether it’s monitoring road work late at night or defending legislation the next morning, I will bring full energy, focus, and commitment to ensuring Braddock gets the very best service and the strong Democratic leadership our community deserves.
What impacts have the Trump administration’s policies had on Fairfax County and how would you advocate for your constituents in addressing those policies?
The Trump administration’s policies have directly harmed Fairfax County families and our local economy. Aggressive ICE actions have created fear in immigrant communities, discouraging families from seeking health care, enrolling children in schools, or engaging with county services. This erodes trust and undermines the inclusive values that define Fairfax.
Meanwhile, the administration’s DOGE initiative has resulted in both massive federal layoffs and severe cuts to state and local funding. Because Fairfax is home to so many federal workers and contractors, these layoffs ripple across our community—families lose stability, small businesses lose customers, and our economy suffers. At the same time, budget cuts force Fairfax County to stretch dollars thinner, placing schools, transportation, public safety, and health services at risk.
As Supervisor, I will be a strong Democratic voice to counter these impacts, I will:
Support displaced workers through job training, small business incubators, and access to capital so new opportunities are created locally.
Safeguard immigrant families’ access to services by promoting trust, outreach, and inclusive county policies.
Fairfax deserves leaders who respond quickly, listen deeply, and defend our community when federal policies put it at risk.
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