Beyer staffer Jeremy Allen launches campaign for Mason District supervisor

Another new candidate has joined the increasingly crowded contest for Penny Gross’s job on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Democrat Jeremy Allen has declared he’s running to be the next Mason District supervisor. Currently a staffer working in constituent services for Rep. Don Beyer (D-8), he has lived in the county for six years, per his campaign website.

“As a leader in his local neighborhood effort Save Bren Mar, which successfully stopped a negative rezoning application for increased industrial activity in his community, Allen has made the decision to run with a focus on championing similar causes throughout the Mason District,” his candidacy announcement read.

So excited to announce my campaign for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors as the Mason District representative! See more at my website https://t.co/1EJULyM2zm

— Jeremy Allen (@JeremyforMason) January 10, 2023

Allen joins a growing list of candidates vying for the job filled for 27 years by Penny Gross, who is retiring when her term ends on Dec. 31.

Last month, Andres Jimenez announced his intentions to run to be the next Mason District supervisor. He’s an at-large member of the county planning commission and the executive director of the nonprofit Green 2.0.

Two other Democratic candidates — Steve Lee and Reid Voss — are reportedly planning on running for the seat as well, according to Annandale Today.

The Democratic primary election is set for June 7, while the general election will be held on Nov. 7.

When asked how Allen differs from the other candidates, a campaign spokesperson told FFXnow that he has similar “lived experiences” to many Mason residents:

Jeremy understands what it means to be an advocate for his community and has lived experiences like many of Mason’s residents. He understands how targeted programs and collective action can enhance our community. Jeremy and his wife were able to purchase a home through the Fairfax County Workforce Development program after struggling to afford housing in the county. As Supervisor, Jeremy wants to increase awareness, access, and effectiveness of local government efforts so that other people can benefit similarly.

He said one of the major issues Allen would like to tackle, if elected, is “affordable homeownership.”

As a staffer for Beyer, whose district includes the Mason District, Allen noted that he has worked directly with constituents to connect them with resources, helping them file for state unemployment benefits during the pandemic, for example. This gave him an opportunity to be a “listening ear and voice of support” for residents.

“For the past three years, I have been interacting with constituents every day to hear their concerns and turn their feedback into policy solutions,” Allen said in the press release. “This experience helped me deeply understand Mason District residents and is directly relevant to what I would continue to do in the role of Supervisor.”

Gross announced in December that she won’t seek reelection in 2023. Longtime Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust will also step away from the Board of Supervisors. Jimmy Bierman announced his candidacy for that seat last month.

So far, five supervisors have confirmed they’ll seek reelection this year: Chairman Jeff McKay, Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, and Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw.

Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith, Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, and Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity have all yet to announce their intentions for the 2023 election.