Krupicka Officially Announces Candidacy for Englin's Seat

Alexandria City Councilman Rob Krupicka officially announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the 45th District House of Delegates seat on Tuesday.

Krupicka said in statement that his top priority is education and that he will also work toward environmental and transportation solutions that create jobs and conserve natural resources.

"As a graduate of the University of Virginia, and someone who has worked to increase the number of students ready to succeed in college, I will work to make sure our public higher education system is transparent, affordable and accessible for every resident of the Commonwealth,” said Krupicka, who is also a member of the State Board of Education.

Last week, Del. David Englin (D) announced his resignation from the seat in the 45th district effective Aug. 31, saying it was time for him and his family to leave public life. Englin to focus on his family after admitting to being unfaithful in his marriage. 

Englin told Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) last week he hoped the special election for his seat coincides with the Nov. 6 General Election.

and took a perceived shot at Krupicka, saying "any candidate who enters this race as a stepping stone to statewide office will be too concerned with how his votes, positions, and agenda will play with future voters elsewhere who don't share our community's progressive values.”

Krupicka, Gautney and Arlington County School Board member are the only candidates who have announced their intentions to run for the seat.

Englin endorsed Krupicka in the Democratic primary for the 30th District State Senate seat last year, a heated race that was won by Adam Ebbin.

Krupicka said in his statement that he is running "to ensure that we continue to have a progressive voice in Richmond" and that he would “fight against the right-wing extremism that has rolled back women’s rights and true equality for every Virginian.”

He also listed the names of more than 40 notable public supporters, including U.S. Reps. Jim Moran (D-8th) and Gerry Connolly (D-11th), Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille, Arlington County Board Chair Mary Hynes, Fairfax County Supervisor Gerry Hyland, State Sens. Dick Saslaw (D-35th), Donald McEachin (D-9th), Chap Petersen (D-34th), Dave Marsden (D-37th), Barbara Favola (D-31st) and Dels. Bob Brink (D-48th), Scott Surovell (D-44th) and Alfonso Lopez (D-49th).

“Rob is a strong, dedicated progressive who will fight for our values and won't back down,” Brink said. “I need him as a partner in the General Assembly.”