During the Democratic primary race for Manassas City Council, we had the opportunity to speak with Dheeraj “DJ” Jagadev and Sonia Vasquez Luna about their respective campaigns. While the eyes of Virginia were primarily in the congressional districts, voters went to the polls to vote in the primary races for the Manassas City Council. They each won the nomination for the three seats, joining Democratic councilman Ralph Smith in November’s general election.

Delegate Danica Roem (D-13th House District) sent the following tweet after the election results were in:

They will be going against Republicans Lynn Forkell Greene, Rick Brookwalter and Theresa Coats Ellis, meaning there will be six candidates vying for three seats. Luna garnered the most votes with 747, Smith with 722, and Jagadev with 608. Jagadev provided the PW Perspective with the following statement after the victory:

“Our collective vision of an inclusive city that meets the needs of all its citizens was on the ballot on June 21, 2022, and it prevailed. I look forward to working with my fellow nominees to make this vision a reality in the fall.”

“We are a city that’s on the right track and it is up to all of us to make sure that the City of Manassas secures its future while honoring and acknowledging its past.”

(Editor’s Note: This article was updated to correct an omission.)