Rachna Sizemore Heizer is one of four candidates on the Oct. 4 Democratic Firehouse Primary ballot in the Braddock supervisor’s race.
BURKE, VA — Ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to thrive is the issue that defines the candidacy of School Board Member Rachna Sizemore Heizer (Braddock), who is one of four Democrats running for the Braddock District supervisor’s seat.
“That starts with creating a strong, inclusive local economy that delivers fair wages for workers, supports local businesses, reduces red tape, and reduces pressure on taxpayers by building on Fairfax County’s strengths — our highly skilled workforce, federal workers, and retired military,” she said. “By attracting industries like healthcare, cybersecurity, clean technology, and the skilled trades, we can grow our economy in ways that honor workers, funds services to maintain our quality of life, and keep Fairfax affordable for families and seniors.”
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: Rachna Sizemore Heizer, Sabrina Martin, Ilryong Moon, and April Pavis Shroeder. The primary winner will face Republican Ken Balbuena on Dec. 9.
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 Sizemore Heizers’ responses.
Name
Rachna Sizemore Heizer
What will be your age on election day?
What is your occupation and the number of years you’ve worked in this field?
Fairfax School Board Member – 6 Years; Professor – 19 Years; Practicing Lawyer – 10 years.
What is the single issue that defines your candidacy?
The single issue defining my candidacy is building a Fairfax County where everyone, no matter their background, income, or zip code, has the opportunity to thrive. That starts with creating a strong, inclusive local economy with fair wages for workers, supporting local businesses, cutting red tape, and reducing pressure on taxpayers by building on Fairfax County’s strengths: our highly skilled workforce, federal workers, and retired military. By attracting industries like healthcare, cybersecurity, clean technology, and the skilled trades, we can grow our economy in ways that honor workers, fund services to maintain quality of life, and keep Fairfax affordable for families and seniors.
As Chair of the Fairfax County School Board, I proved that when leaders listen and deliver, we get results: raising teacher pay, passing the first collective bargaining agreement for educators, and investing in programs that strengthen our public schools. On the Board of Supervisors, I will carry forward that same record of results—fighting for affordable housing, safe communities, strong schools, expanded services for seniors and people with disabilities, and preserving our parks and environment. At its core, my candidacy is about fairness, justice, and inclusion and ensuring our economy, schools, and neighborhoods work for everyone.
What makes you the best candidate to represent the Democratic Party in the Dec. 9 special election?
Trump and MAGA extremists are attacking our cities and schools and we need leaders with a proven record of delivering local results while standing up for our values. I am the only candidate in this race with that record. As Chair of the Fairfax County School Board, I secured an unanimous vote on the FCPS’ first collective bargaining agreement, breaking months of gridlock and proving I get things done. At the same time, I protected excellent, inclusive education and stood firm against extremist attempts to ban books and whitewash history. We did not ban books and our students continue to learn full and accurate history. That is why leaders we trust—Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Jeff McKay, Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Delegates Dan Helmer and Laura Jane Cohen, Senators Jennifer Carroll Foy and Saddam Salim, the majority of my School Board colleagues, and labor leaders—have endorsed me. They know I am collaborative, will stand strong for our values, and get things done.On the Board of Supervisors, I will fight for a strong local economy with good jobs, affordable housing, safe communities, strong schools, and vibrant parks—a Fairfax County where every resident can thrive.
What impacts have the Trump administration’s policies had on Fairfax County and how would you advocate for your constituents in addressing those policies?
Trump’s policies are destabilizing Fairfax County by hurting federal workers, raising costs with reckless tariffs, and targeting immigrant families. Rollbacks on environmental protections undermine sustainability goals, while cuts to public schools strain resources for meals, multilingual learners, and special education. Housing and labor rollbacks squeeze families in an already high-cost region, and tariffs drive up prices on groceries, construction, and everyday goods, hurting working families and small businesses. Trump’s threatened withholding of federal funds from Fairfax County Public Schools forced FCPS to sue his administration. Federal workers and contractors are the backbone of our economy, yet Trump’s budget fights create constant instability. As Supervisor, I will protect federal workers by expanding NOVAnext, Talent Up, VA Ready, and Fairfax Workforce Centers to help workers retrain, transition, and stay resilient. As the daughter of immigrants, I know firsthand how much immigrants strengthen our community. I will defend Fairfax’s Public Trust Policy, strengthen language access, and bring resources directly into immigrant neighborhoods so families feel safe and included. Together, by protecting federal workers, standing with immigrant families, and building a strong local economy, we can keep Fairfax inclusive, resilient, and thriving, no matter the chaos in Washington.
Also See …\
Creating More Affordable Housing Priority For Ilryong Moon: Candidate Questionnaire
Affordability Top Issue For April Pavis Shroeder: Braddock Primary Candidate
Special Election To Fill Vacant Braddock District Seat Scheduled