Tapia becomes fourth candidate to enter race for potential Council vacancy
Educator, Army veteran and immigrant announces bid for McPike seat
Cesar Madison Tapia, a teacher and Army veteran, announced Friday he is running for the City Council seat being vacated by Councilman Kirk McPike, according to his campaign Instagram page.
“For every neighborhood. For every voice. For our future. I’m running for Alexandria City Council,” Tapia wrote on Instagram.
Tapia joins former ADC chair Sandy Marks, Tim Laderach, and Roberto Gomez in the race — bringing the field to four candidates.
An immigrant, Tapia described himself as “a neighbor who believes good governance is about collaboration, listening, and steady work,” according to his Instagram announcement.
“My goal is not to tear down what exists, but to help move us forward: to expand affordable housing, support families and renters, and work alongside current leadership, community members, and advocates to meet the moment,” he wrote.
According to his campaign website, Tapia works as a teacher, helping students “understand their role in democracy and civic life.”
His platform focuses on affordability, renters’ rights, workers and local jobs, childcare and education, according to the website.
“Alexandria should be a city where working people can afford to live — not just commute to,” his website states. “Rising rents, property taxes, and everyday costs are pushing families, seniors, and young workers out.”
On housing, Tapia says he supports “stronger tenant protections, transparent rent practices, and policies that prevent displacement while encouraging responsible development,” according to his website. Nearly half of Alexandria residents rent, his website notes.
He also calls for expanding access to affordable childcare, which he describes as “essential infrastructure, not a luxury,” and for the city to be “a better partner” with Alexandria City Public Schools, according to the website.
Tapia specifically mentioned the Chirilagua neighborhood in his Instagram announcement.
More information is available on his campaign website and Instagram page.
The Alexandria Brief has reached out to Tapia for comment.
McPike announced his resignation Tuesday night, effective Feb. 9 — one day before the special election in which he faces Republican Mason Butler for House District 5. Early voting began Saturday.
What’s next
The dates for the Democratic primary and special election have not yet been set. City Council must approve a resolution indicating a vacancy to send to the Circuit Court to determine the election date, according to the city’s general registrar.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins has said she is working to align the council special election with the April 21 statewide redistricting referendum to save approximately $150,000 in election costs. That plan would require the Alexandria Democratic Committee to hold a firehouse primary in late February.