The Brief: Wednesday, November 5
Spanberger wins governor's race as Democrats sweep Virginia; Alexandria native Sherrill elected New Jersey governor; and more.
Good morning, Alexandria. Welcome to The Alexandria Brief. I’m Ryan Belmore, and I’ll be bringing you essential Alexandria news every weekday morning.
Here’s what you need to know for Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
Essentials
Weather: Increasing clouds, with a high near 71°F. Southwest wind 6 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. It will be mostly clear tonight, with a low around 46°F. Southwest wind 11 to 14 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 46 mph.
On Tap Today: Bluegrass Jam Session, Literary Libations, Boney James, a lecture on Alexandria Skating Rink, BAR Public Hearing, and more.
1️⃣ Democrats sweep statewide races
Democrats completed a clean sweep of Virginia’s statewide races on Tuesday night. Former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger defeated Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears for governor, Sen. Ghazala Hashmi topped conservative talk-show host John Reid in the lieutenant governor’s race, and former state delegate Jay Jones unseated incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares in a contest clouded by controversy.
In Alexandria, all 32 precincts have reported, with Spanberger capturing 83% of the vote as Democrats swept locally. More than 24,000 residents cast Election Day ballots by 4 p.m., bringing total turnout to 53% when combined with early voting.
2️⃣ Alexandria native makes history as New Jersey governor
Rep. Mikie Sherrill, born in Alexandria in 1972, has been elected as New Jersey’s governor, becoming the state’s second female governor.
3️⃣ Former FBI Director Comey in Alexandria court today
James Comey is due in Alexandria court on Wednesday for a hearing on criminal charges, with heightened security and an overflow room arranged for the former FBI director.
4️⃣ Schools superintendent presents the capital budget on Thursday
Alexandria schools superintendent will present a 10-year capital budget on Thursday. The Board will also hear updates on high school academies and approve the course catalog.
5️⃣ Planning Commission considers Potomac Yard flexibility
The Planning Commission will consider flexibility for Potomac Yard development, with staff proposing to eliminate use-by-use density caps in favor of overall maximum and minimum requirements for transit-adjacent sites.
Extra Extra!
Virginia American Water filed a rate increase request Monday with state regulators that would raise the average Alexandria residential customer’s water bill by about $11 per month. (The Alexandria Brief)
Two trick-or-treaters refilled an empty candy bowl with their own treats on Halloween night in the Lynhaven neighborhood, according to a social media post by the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office. (The Alexandria Brief)
All flights were temporarily grounded at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on Tuesday due to what was reported as a “security incident”. (The Alexandria Brief)
Just before 9:30 a.m. on Monday, a body was discovered by a staff member of the Basilica of St. Mary School in Old Town in the adjacent parish cemetery. (Alexandria Times)
The U.S. Military will conduct an Aircraft Flyover in the NCR over the Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, November 5, at approximately 2:05 p.m. (AlertDC)
The Alexandria Library Board will host a special virtual meeting on Nov. 7 at 12 p.m. to discuss the Library’s annual budget submission. (Register for webinar)
Operation Illumination is back to shine a light on road safety this evening from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at two locations: Arlandria, at the corner of Mount Vernon Avenue & West Reed Avenue, and Braddock Road Metro, at the south end of the Potomac Yard Trail. (City of Alexandria)
The Alexandria Board of Architectural Review will meet tonight at 7 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers to review alteration requests for properties in the city’s historic districts. Among the items are city-requested changes for the city hall project and alterations to five residential properties. (The Alexandria Brief)