FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2025 

Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins Endorses Candice Bennett for Congress in Virginia’s 11th District 

“Service is in Candice’s blood. She shows up, does the work, and lifts up the women around her.” – Mayor Alyia Gaskins 

Fairfax County, VA – Today, Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins announced her full endorsement of Candice Bennett for the Democratic nomination in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, citing Bennett’s lifelong dedication to community service and her relentless commitment to empowering women at every level of public life. 

“Candice has service in her DNA,” said Mayor Gaskins. “Nearly thirteen years ago, I first met Candice through the Junior League of Northern Virginia, an organization that builds women leaders. Whether it was rolling up her sleeves for a food drive or tackling complex policy or serving as a mentor to young women like me, Candice was always there, no matter how small or big the job. She gets things done, and she brings other women along with her. That’s exactly the kind of front-line leadership we need in Congress right now.” 

Mayor Gaskins’ endorsement adds significant momentum to Bennett’s campaign as the race intensifies. In Virginia, 46% of working women are in managerial occupations, with 40% of Alexandria’s women working in child-care services, as home aides, or other social services. The two leaders share a history of hands-on service and a vision of government that uplifts the entire community—especially women and families facing unprecedented attacks on their rights. 

“Mayor Gaskins embodies the kind of bold, compassionate leadership we need right now,” said Bennett. “Her support means the world to me because she knows what it takes to govern with both heart and backbone. Together, we will fight to protect reproductive freedom, defend women in the workplace, and make sure that someone’s constitutional rights or professional stability is not limited by zip code, identity or gender.” 

A Record of ‘Service to Service’
Bennett has spent more than two decades serving Northern Virginia as a Fairfax County Planning Commissioner, affordablehousing advocate, smallbusiness owner, and Deputy Executive Director of Good Shepherd Housing. She is also the spouse of a federal employee and veteran and a vocal champion for the rights of federal workers and contractors. 

Her campaign priorities include: 

• Stopping attacks on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid 
• Fighting and adjudicating unauthorized and illegal DOGE or ICE orders  
• Reframing and expanding high-quality, affordable housing as an economic imperative 
• Positioning Universal Pre-K and HeadStart programs as pillars of economic strength  
• Safeguarding reproductive freedom and passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act 
• Defending speech, peaceful assembly, and the separation of church and state 
• Mandating sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure for frontline communities  

Women Helping Women—When It Matters Most
With reproductive freedom under assault nationwide, Bennett and Gaskins emphasize the urgency of electing leaders who will stand up for women’s rights. “We need women in Congress who understand what’s at stake and who will not compromise on our autonomy,” said Gaskins. “Candice Bennett is that leader.”
 

About Candice Bennett
Candice Bennett is a Fairfax County Planning Commissioner, housing advocate, nonprofit leader, and smallbusiness owner running for Congress in Virginia’s 11th District. Learn more at www.CandiceForVA.com. 

About The Election
The Democratic primary will be held Saturday, June 28th from 7 AM - 7 PM in 17 polling places. 

Early voting will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035 June 24, 25 and 26 from 3 PM - 8 PM. 

Visit CandiceForVA.com for polling locations. 

Media Contact:
Taylor Holland, info@candiceforva.com