Politics & Government

VIDEO: Democratic Candidates for 8th Congressional District Race Gather for Forum in Mount Vernon

Plus, a photo gallery from Saturday's event in Mount Vernon and a calendar of more forums and meet 'n greets before the June 10 primary.

The Democratic candidates in the 8th congressional District race gathered for their first public forum Saturday at Mount Vernon High School's Little Theatre in Fairfax County.

Candidates got a chance to meet with voters, answer their questions and tell the public why they should be considered to represent Virginia's 8th congressional District on Capitol Hill. George Burke, the Virginia Democratic Party's 11th Congressional District chair, moderated the forum.

The candidates largely agreed with each other on the issues, The Washington Post reported. Disagreements included Virginia Tech professor Derek Hyra disagreeing with Don Beyer that super PACs should be eliminated altogether.

All of the candidates said they were against construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, but Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille said he was open to the idea if health and environmental issues are addressed, the Post reported.

The forum was sponsored and hosted by the Mount Vernon District Democratic Committee. The 8th congressional District includes Alexandria, Falls Church, Arlington County and parts of Fairfax County.

The 10 Democratic candidates are:

  • Don Beyer
  • Lavern Chatman
  • Adam Ebbin
  • Bill Euille 
  • Charniele Herring 
  • Patrick Hope
  • Derek Hyra
  • Satish Korpe
  • Mark Levine
  • Bruce Shuttleworth

The primary is June 10; the winner will face a Republican candidate in the November election.

More Upcoming Democratic Candidate Events 

Voters will get a chance to meet candidates before that at the following events:

  • April 24, Thursday 7-9 p.m., FREE , Antioch Church of Christ, Alexandria

The NAACP Alexandria Chapter will host the public forum at the Antioch Church of Christ (1120 Queen St., Alexandria, 22314; map, click here).

Find out what's happening in Mount Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • May 5, Monday 7-9 p.m., FREE-tickets, GMU Arlington Campus

George Mason University’s School of Public Policy and State & Local Government Leadership Center are proud to host the Democratic Candidates for the 8th Congressional District Seat at this special Candidates Forum, at the GMU Founders Hall Auditorium – Arlington Campus (3351 Fairfax Dr., Arlington, 22201)  doors open at 6 p.m.

This event is free with advance reservation. Seating is limited. Click here to reserve your seat. Limit one seat reservation per person. Map (PDF). MetroDriving directions. Parking for a fee is available in the Founders Hall Garage.

Find out what's happening in Mount Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The forum will be preceded at 6:35 p.m. with an acknowledgment of Congressman Jim Moran’s 23 years of service with remarks by Mason School of Public Policy Acting Dean Mark Rozell and Frank Shafroth, director, Mason State & Local Government Leadership Center, followed by brief remarks by Congressman Moran.

Forum moderator: Julie Carey, NBC 4 Washington

  • May 8, Thursday, 6-8 p.m., FREE to chamber members; $30 non-members, Springfield Golf & Country Club

The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 8th Congressional District Candidate Reception on Thursday, May 8 from 6-8 p.m. at the Springfield Golf & Country Club. The country club is located at 8301 Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield. 

The chamber says the "lively after-hours networking reception is open to Fairfax Chamber members and non-members. Refreshments will be provided." All are encouraged to RSVP here as it is likely to sell out, according to the Chamber. The Republican candidate is also invited.

  • May 15, Thursday 7:30 p.m., FREE, McLean Community Center

The Dranesville District Democratic Committee will host a public forum at The Alden Theatre at McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, 22101; map, click here).

  • May 18, Sunday 10 a.m. – noon, $12, JCCNV Early Childhood Learning Center, Alexandria

Beth El Brotherhood & Jewish Community Relations Council Political Forum at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia Early Childhood Learning Center (3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria, 22304; map, click here).Tickets required, $12 / $15 at the door. To purchase tickets, click here

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