Politics & Government

Porter Kicks Off Commonwealth's Attorney Campaign

Bryan Porter is currently the lone candidate seeking to replace Randy Sengel, who announced last year he would not seek re-election.

Bryan Porter kicked off his campaign for Commonwealth’s Attorney on Saturday at Pork Barrel BBQ in Del Ray, receiving the endorsement of the current jobholder Randy Sengel and the support of seemingly every Democrat in Alexandria.

“Bryan is an excellent trial attorney,” Sengel said. “I’m confident in his ability to lead the office. … He understands first-hand how law enforcement is never a black-and-white issue.”

Sengel, first elected as Commonwealth’s Attorney in 1997, announced in December he would not seek re-election at the end of his current term.

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

An Alexandria native and former officer with the Metro Transit Police and Alexandria Police Department, Porter is currently an assistant attorney in Sengel’s office.

“When you vote on Nov. 5 and help me get elected, you will be electing someone who understands the duty of the office is to protect the citizens of Alexandria,” Porter said.

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

The son of former longtime T.C. Williams High School principal John Porter, the younger Porter promised to “vigorously prosecute” individuals who have exhibited a lifelong course of criminal behavior but also said he “understands people make mistakes” and would make sure rehabilitation is available for first-time offenders.

“I will always prosecute with a sense of humility,” he said.

The Commonwealth's Attorney is a constitutional officer elected by Alexandria citizens to a four-year term. The Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney is responsible for the prosecution of persons charged with the commission of criminal and traffic offenses that occur within city limits in violation of state law or city ordinances.

Porter and officials with the Alexandria Democratic Committee said they did not know of anyone on either side of the aisle who was also planning on running for the post.

On Feb. 4, the ADC adopted and announced its Call to Caucus to select Democratic nominees for Sheriff and Commonwealth's Attorney for the General Election.

Incumbent Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, a Democrat, is seeking re-election to the office.


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