Manassas City Councilman David Farajollahi Withdraws from Special Election

October 6, 2021October 6, 2021

Manassas City Councilman David Farajollahi was appointed to temporarily fill the City Council seat left vacant by Michelle Davis-Younger when she became mayor in January 2021. Farajollahi had previously filed for candidacy for the November 2021 special election to finish Davis Younger’s term withdrew on Wednesday.

PW Perspective previously interviewed Farrajollahi for a “Behind the Polls” feature.

According to Prince William Times, Farajollahi did not inform the City of Manassas Registrar of his reason for withdrawing from the race. He did, however, express his motivations on Twitter. According to Farajollahi, his status as an employee of the Federal Government was taking focus away from the City of Manassas and its residents.

(1/3) Over the past year I have had the honor of serving the people of the City of Manassas on Council. During that time meaningful progress and change has taken place, of which I am proud to have been a part of. Because of this progress, I am confident as a resident of the City
— David Fara (@davidsherv) October 6, 2021

(2/3) of Manassas that our best days are ahead of us.

Unfortunately, the focus the last few weeks has been on me as a federal employee instead of what is important to the citizens of the City of Manassas. I want that focus to always remain on the people's business and moving the
— David Fara (@davidsherv) October 6, 2021

(3/3) City of Manassas forward. That is why I believe it is best for me to withdraw as a candidate in this special election. I thank everyone who has supported me and look forward to the City continuing to do great things and moving forward.
— David Fara (@davidsherv) October 6, 2021

Farajollahi’s resignation from the race will likely result in a victory for his Republican opponent Lynn Forkell Greene unless Democrats are able to launch a successful write-in campaign, which is unlikely due to the fact that early voting has already started. If Green wins, the Democratic majority of the Manassas City Council will change from 7-1 to 6-2.

Farajollahi will remain on the ballot, but, due to his withdrawal, he will not be declared the winner even if he wins the popular vote.