Yianilos Withdraws from School Board Race

Chris Yianilos withdrew from the race for Alexandria School Board in District B on Friday, citing family health issues.

“Over the last three months, members of my immediate family have experienced adverse health events that make it impossible for me to continue my campaign to represent the citizens of Alexandria,” Yianilos wrote in a statement. “While full recoveries are expected, those of you who know me well will not be surprised that my family always has been, and remains, my top priority. At times like these, my energies and focus need to be on the home front.”

The former deputy chief of staff for retired U.S. Sen. John Warner .

He earned endorsements from Warner and the Alexandria Political Action Committee for Education.

In his statement, Yianilos went on to thank his campaign supporters and promised to refund every contribution in full. He said he is “optimistic that there will be future opportunities for public service.”

Yianilos and his wife Torra have lived in Alexandria for 10 years. They are the parents of two children under the age of four.

Five candidates remain in District B: Kelly Carmichael Booz, Michael Brookbank, Chyrell Bucksell, Justin Keating and Marc Williams.

Yianilos is the second candidate to withdraw from the race for Alexandria School Board. District A candidate after Patch revealed he had lied about holding a PhD in psychology.