Another one of Fairfax County’s veteran state lawmakers is leaving the House of Delegates for a job in the incoming administration of Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger.
Del. Mark Sickles (D-17), who has represented Franconia, Huntington, Rose Hill and Hayfield in Richmond since 2004, has been appointed as Virginia’s next secretary of finance, Spanberger’s transition team announced today (Tuesday).
Sickles, who has served on numerous budget-related committees in the General Assembly, will advise the governor on economic issues while playing “an essential role in guaranteeing Virginia’s long-term economic strength” and “safeguarding taxpayer dollars,” according to a press release.
“He not only has the deep knowledge required to successfully manage our Commonwealth’s finances, but shares my commitment to fiscal responsibility and ensuring Virginians’ tax dollars are put to the best possible use,” Spanberger said in a statement.
First elected in 2003 to represent what was then the 43rd House District, Sickles currently serves as chair of the House Health and Human Services committee and vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee.
“I know Del. Sickles will be a key partner in advancing my administration’s work to lower costs for families and make sure Virginia has the strong financial footing to succeed for decades to come,” Spanberger said.
House Speaker Scott congratulated Sickles on his appointment, describing his colleague as one of the House’s “most effective budget negotiators.”
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, who represents southeastern Fairfax County in the 34th Senate District, also praised Sickles as “an excellent choice” for finance secretary based on his experience on the House Appropriations Committee.
“Throughout his distinguished tenure, Mark has been an extraordinarily dedicated public servant to the people of the Franconia area in eastern Fairfax County,” Surovell said in a statement. “Delegate Sickles has been a passionate and effective advocate for Medicaid expansion, health care access, public transit, and the priorities of Northern Virginia. His leadership and commitment to these critical issues have made a lasting impact on our Commonwealth.”
A great choice by @SpanbergerForVA and a huge congratulations to my close friend, @MarkSicklesVA, on being named Virginia’s next Secretary of Finance. For 22 years in the House, Mark has been a steady, strategic leader and one of our most effective budget negotiators — guiding… https://t.co/OjHWXMrmEZ
— Speaker Don Scott (@SpeakerDonScott) December 23, 2025
My statement on the nomination of Mark Sickles to be Secretary of Finance. pic.twitter.com/Ky6oG2ZdjI
— Senator Scott Surovell – ssurovell.bsky.social (@ssurovell) December 23, 2025
Sickles’s departure sets up yet another special election for some Fairfax County voters. Voters in the nearby 11th House District will head to the polls on Jan. 13 — the day before the start of the 2026 legislative session — to select a successor to David Bulova, who also resigned this month after being appointed to Spanberger’s cabinet.
It is unclear when exactly a special election would be held, but a date will be announced by Scott, who is expected to move quickly based on his approach to filling Bulova’s seat. A primary process will be determined by local party committees.
At least one candidate has already jumped into the race: Joy McManus, a former Fairfax County Public Schools teacher who’s now an organizer for both the local Democratic Party and the Virginia chapter of the anti-gun violence group Moms Demand Action.
McManus serves as vice chair for membership on the Fairfax County Democratic Committee, and she was also a statewide volunteer coordinator for Spanberger’s gubernatorial campaign.
“As I meet with parents, students, small business owners, and seniors across our community, they all share the same goals: they want a safe place to live, fully funded public schools for their kids, and housing and healthcare they can afford,” McManus said when announcing her campaign this morning. “These are the priorities that will guide me every day in Richmond, if elected to serve as the next Delegate from District 17 — and I can’t wait to get to work.”
The Virginia Public Access Project rates the 17th House District as “strong Democratic.” Sickles was reelected in November unopposed, and has garnered at least 70% of the vote in each election dating back to 2011.
