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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.
