Political newcomer Jack Dobbyn has embarked in a campaign that the Washington Post has dubbed one of the "most competitive House races in the state." 

Dobbyn, a Mount Vernon native, anticipates the challenge.

Last week, he announced his candidacy for the House of Delegates’ 42^nd District and will take on longtime Republican incumbent Dave Albo, who is running for his tenth term in office.

Dobbyn, who is the Vice President of Operations at his family’s real estate business, became highly involved with the Fairfax County Democratic Committee in the late 2000s and served as treasurer of the Lee District Democrats. He currently serves as the chairman of the Fairfax County Young Democrats.

“The more I got involved, the more I realized there was opportunity for someone like me to affect change and you have a really good opportunity as delegate to do that,” remarked Dobbyn.

A practicing Catholic, Dobbyn believes his faith has led him to his political beliefs.

“I believe [Catholicism’s] ideals are more drawn out in helping the poor, prison reform, and helping those who are more vulnerable,” said Dobbyn. “That’s why I’m a Democrat.”

Dobbyn says that improving transportation in southeastern Fairfax County is his top priority. He wants to partner with Del. Scott Surovell (D-44th) and Sen. Linda “Toddy” Puller (D-36th) to improve traffic on Route One. He is interested in exploring transportation alternatives in the area.

“I can honestly say traffic is at worst right now as it’s ever been,” said Dobbyn. “We need every elected official in Fairfax County to make sure we’re bringing back the money that we send down to Richmond.”

Dobbyn also wants to alleviate the influx of traffic expected from the completion of the Base Realignment and Closure process at Fort Belvoir.  

Said Dobbyn, “We need Fairfax County answers to the BRAC problem. We need everyone working from the county level, state, and federal government to find solutions. I’d like to be down in Richmond so when money comes our way getting it quick as possible and spend it as quick as possible to alleviate traffic because of BRAC.”

Education is another priority for Dobbyn, who wants to see more of an investment in trade schools and smaller class sizes.

“I believe that investing in education is one of the most critical ways we can make sure that we have students that are prepared to enter the 21^st century that are equipped to take on the jobs of tomorrow,” said Dobbyn. “A lot of new jobs are becoming available and I want to make sure students get an education that allows them to get those kinds of jobs.”

Dobbyn believes that his business experience has prepared him well for Virginia politics.

“When I get down to Richmond, I want to get all the decision makers around the table and find out what’s possible and what’s not,” said Dobbyn. “If I were going to say I wasn’t going to work with people to solve problems, I’d have a tough time in Richmond and not be able to solve our problems.”

In his spare time, Dobbyn is an active member of the Mount Vernon Kiwanis Club and enjoys coaching youth sports teams for Woodlawn Little League and Gunston Soccer Club. He enjoys golf and spending time with his wife, Katie, and his two daughters, Victoria and Marie.