Today, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to officially rename the Lee magisterial district to the Franconia District. The Lee District was one of the original six magisterial districts of Fairfax County, and was likely named after the Lee family based on the original district’s location and boundaries.

In response to the renaming, Fairfax County Democratic Committee (FCDC) Chair Bryan Graham said, “Fairfax County is a diverse, welcoming place to call home. Our institutions of government should reflect the values of equity and inclusion, not be named after families with ties to the failed Confederacy.”

The FCDC’s organization is divided into nine District Committees which correspond to the County’s nine magisterial districts. With this action by the Board of Supervisors, the FCDC’s Lee District Democratic Committee will automatically be renamed to the Franconia District Democratic Committee, effective immediately.

Supervisor Rodney Lusk (Franconia) led the push to rename the district, holding multiple town halls and opportunities for public input. Franconia District Democratic Committee Chair Kathy Rhem praised Lusk’s efforts and said the new name reflects a positive future for the district. “I appreciate Supervisor Lusk’s thoughtful and collaborative process to arrive at this new name. This change comes at a great time for our committee, as our officers and dedicated volunteers have been working hard to redouble our efforts to elect candidates truly committed to liberty and justice for all,” Rhem said.

Voters can expect to see the name change reflected on the ballot when they go to vote for District Supervisor and School Board Representative in November 2023.