We’d like to open the 11th District Newsletter this week with a sincere thank you to our friend Pat Herrity, who ended his campaign for Lieutenant Governor yesterday for health reasons. As we’re sure many of you saw in his announcement, while his recovery from heart surgery is on track, Pat concluded that his health would not permit a statewide campaign. It cannot be easy to work so hard traveling the state, gathering petition signatures, and positioning yourself well for the primary election, only to have to withdraw from the race due to forces beyond your control. It is a true measure of Pat that he could make so difficult a decision with such perspective, equanimity, and grace. We are grateful for all of Pat’s work on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors championing common sense policies, sound budgets, and respect for the taxpayer. We look forward to his continued service on the County Board and pray for his continued recovery.
This week’s updates from around the district:
Visit the 11th District’s website at 11cdgop.org for all information updates.
NEWSLETTER ANNOUNCEMENT REMINDER: If you’d like to have an announcement in the newsletter, please email Mike Ginsberg at mikeforscc@gmail.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors keeps raising property taxes every year – a whopping 7.5% increase is proposed this year, along with a new meals tax that could be as high as 6%. Add to that the car tax, and residents of Fairfax County are being taxed to death. People are struggling under this excessive tax burden, and many have no choice but to move to more affordable parts of the state and country.
Meanwhile, the Democrat-controlled Board of Supervisors keeps voting for higher taxes. The idea of cutting spending or authorizing an official audit to identify waste never enters their minds. They’ve never met a tax they don’t like, and many taxpayers of Fairfax County can no longer afford to live here.
A big part of the problem is the Fairfax County Public School budget. More than half of the total Fairfax County budget goes to fund FCPS, and yet they are not being asked to rein in their top-heavy bureaucracy. While the student population has increased by 44% over the past 40 years, the number of employees has risen by 94%, and the number of assistant principals has increased by 306%! All while test scores decline. Instead of increasing our taxes, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors should call for accountability in our school system, as well as allow an audit of their own budget.
We can’t hold a Boston Tea Party to fight these exorbitant taxes, but we can come out and make sure our voices are heard at TODAY’S Taxpayer Rally. Join us at 3:00pm at the Fairfax County Government Center. Let’s send the Board of Supervisors a strong message that enough is enough! It’s time to stop raising taxes!
Rally to stop Fairfax County tax increases is TODAY! For the past 25 years, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has been increasing real estate taxes three times faster than household income. Residential assessments increased by an average 6.2% this year. Please read more of this excellent article by the President of the Fairfax County Taxpayer’s Alliance, Arthur Purves.
What can we do besides complain or leave Fairfax County because we can no longer afford to live here? Join us at the Fairfax County Government Center next Tuesday, April 22 for a Taxpayer Rally, starting at 3:00pm. It’s time to show up, push back, and make our voices heard. There will be bright yellow Stop Raising Taxes T-shirts for attendees.
The rally will take place right before the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors budget hearing that will begin at 4:00pm. We encourage you to stay to watch the proceedings.
Join the Commonwealth Republican Women’s Club for their annual Membership Gala on Thursday, April 24 from 7:00-9:00pm at the Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum, second floor reception room, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria 22314 The guest speaker will be Ron Vitiello, former Director of Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. RSVP to shirley@1primus-usa.com.
The City of Fairfax Republican Committee’s next meeting will be on Thursday, April 24 at 7:00pm at Patriots Pub & Grill, 10560 Main Street, Fairfax 22030. Social period begins at 7:00pm and the meeting will begin at 7:30pm. The committee is tentatively scheduled to host representatives of the Lieutenant Governor campaigns.
The meeting call is attached here.
Thurs., Apr. 24, 6:30pm: Colonial Mt. Vernon Republican Women meeting. At Service Master, 7551 Fordson Road, Alexandria.
Are you are a YR in Fairfax? Do you know YRs in Fairfax looking for a YR club to join? The Fairfax YRs are getting rolling–literally!–with a bowling social on Friday, April 25 from 7:00-9:00pm. Join them as they eat, drink, and roll some strikes! Make this first social event of the Fairfax Young Republicans one to remember as local YRs reignite this important group for ages 18-40.
The event will be held at Lucky Strike Bowling, 2001 International Dr, McLean 22102 (in the Tysons Galleria). The event will be pay-your-own-way. RSVP to Emily at emily.steiding@gmail.com.
Join the Braddock and Springfield District GOPs for breakfast this Saturday, April 26 at 8:30am at the Kings Park Shopping Center (community room), 8944 Burke Lake Road, Springfield. Guest speaker is Carla Sands, former US Ambassador to Denmark and Vice Chair, Center for Energy and Environment, America First Policy Institute. Tickets are $10 (please pay cash at the door). RSVP online here. Details in the flyer pictured.
Come attend the Festival of Colors in Centreville on Sat., Apr. 26 from 12:00 noon-7:00pm. The Fairfax GOP will be hosting a booth there–stop by and say hi to our volunteers and 2025 House of Delegates candidates!
The festival will be held at the Bull Run Special Events Center, 700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville 20121. You can get tickets at the door or online here.
WMAL Radio is once again hosting its legendary Free Speech Forum at The Birchmere in Alexandria on Sunday, April 27, at 7:00pm.
Join Chris Plante, Larry O’Connor, and Vince Coglianese as they share the stage celebrate the First 100 Days of the new administration, while taking your questions… and holding nothing back! Enjoy a night of laughs, behind the scenes stories, and unfiltered conversations with like-minded WMAL listeners.
Doors will open at 5:00pm and show begins at 7:00pm. Tickets are on sale today–you can get yours now online here.
Join the NVRBF for its next monthly breakfast on Monday, April 28, with guest speaker Sen. Mark Peake, the new chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia. Coffee and networking will begin at 7:30am and the program will begin at 8:00am.
It will be held at The Tower Club, 8000 Towers Crescent Dr, Suite 1700, Vienna 22182. Members attend free. Non-member tickets are $50/person. You can purchase tickets online here.
The Hunter Mill District Republicans have a number of upcoming events-please see below for all the details.
May 2, 2025, 10:00am: Hunter Mill District “Dutch Treat” Breakfast. At the Virginia Kitchen Restaurant, 450 Elden St., Herndon. The guest speaker will be Ambassador Donald Yamamoto, speaking on “The Fight for a New World Order: Resetting US Leadership”.
May 22, 2025, 2:30pm: Hunter Mill District General Meeting. At the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. There will be a business meeting and the guest speaker will be Elena Melchert, President, Energia Consulting, speaking on “US Energy Policy – Past, Present and Future”.
Hurry! RSVP before Tickets Sell Out to the Only Festivities in Town
Ticket Sales Already Exceed Trump’s January 20th Inaugural Party
Join fellow Republicans to celebrate President Trump’s first 100 days in office at a party at the American Legion 177 Hall, 3939 Oak St., Fairfax 22030. Enjoy food, fun, festivities, and fellowship and celebrate the accomplishments of the first 100 days. RSVP details below.
Save the date! The May Fairfax GOP membership meeting will be Tuesday, May 6 at South Lakes High School, 11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston, Doorway #1. Enter through Doorway #1.
Come support Winsome Sears for Governor at a fundraiser on Wednesday, May 28 from 6:00-7:30pm at Davio’s Restaurant, 1902 Reston Metro Plaza, in Reston. Tickets are $1,000 and sponsorships are available. RSVP to Gretchen Moss at gretchen@gretchenmoss.com. Details in the flyer pictured.
The Republican Women of Clifton are holding their annual fundraiser on Friday, May 30 from 6:30-9:00pm at P.J. Skidoos, 9908 Fairfax Boulevard, Fairfax 22030.. Don’t miss this special event, featuring Comedy Night, a silent auction, and more! Details in the flyer pictured.
Betty Greer Scholarship – Greater McLean Republican Women’s Club (GMRWC). A $1,000 scholarship awarded annually to a graduating high school senior who resides in Fairfax County, VA. The student must be planning to attend an accredited college, technical or vocational school. The award is based on the student’s involvement in Republican activities as well as, academic and other achievements.
The scholarship is named after Betty Greer, a life member and past president of the GMRWC. Betty also served in many capacities on the Virginia Federation of Republican Women Board of Directors and was the winner of a National Federation of Republican Women “Tribute to Women” award. She was an enthusiastic volunteer for Republican politics at the local, state and federal levels. She also helped her community by volunteering at her church, her children’s schools and various charities.
You can download the application form here. Please share with any graduating seniors you know!
Liberty Tree Scholarship – Colonial Mt. Vernon Republican Women’s Club. The CMRWC’s $2,500 Liberty Tree Scholarship is now open for applications from high school students in Mt. Vernon and Franconia (Lee) magisterial districts who have been accepted to a four-year accredited college or trade school. This year’s essay topic is “The Tapestry of American Exceptionalism.”
This scholarship is an incredible opportunity for students to showcase their understanding of American values and earn financial support for their education. Please spread the word and encourage eligible students to apply!