Six-term Fairfax County Supervisor Elaine McConnell is listed as a guest Sunday in a campaign kickoff for a Republican running for her seat, a move that has reinforced widespread speculation that she plans to pass the Springfield District torch in the coming days.
McConnell, one of the board’s three Republicans, would be the second supervisor to announce the intention not to seek another term this November. Dana Kauffman, who represents theadjoining Lee District, said earlier this year that this term would be his last.
The possible announcement comes amid the expected campaign announcement of Pat Herrity, the son of long-time former Fairfax County Chairman John “Jack” Herrity, to keep the Springfield District in GOP hands. McConnell has served in the role since 1983.
Neither she nor Herrity could be reached for comment Tuesday. The Democrat seeking the seat, Mike McClanahan, said McConnell’s presence at the Herrity kickoff points to a likely retirement announcement.
“Until she says it, I’m assuming she’s going to be in the race,” he told The Examiner.
The Springfield District sits in the southeast end of the county and includes the town of Clifton and the communities of Fair Oaks and Fairfax Station.
“I think it is primed for change,” McClanahan said. “It’s not strictly because it’s been held by a Republican. McConnell is a very moderate Republican.”
He called for greater community involvement by the board and said the county needs to address the district by its individual communities, not as a single entity.
Jack Herrity died in February 2006. He served on the Board of Supervisors from 1972 to 1988, including 12 years as chairman.
