Lusk wins Lee District Supervisor primary
Rodney Lusk came away with a decisive victory in the Lee District Supervisor primary on Tuesday, capturing 46 percent of the vote to beat out three opponents for the Democratic nomination.
Lusk, who works as national marketing director for the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, received an unofficial total of 3,173 votes. Kelly Hebron came in second with 1,424 votes, James Migliaccio was third with 1,227 votes and Larysa Kautz finished fourth with 1,042 votes.
The final month of the Lee District campaign saw Lusk pull away from his opponents in fundraising and lock up key a endorsement from The Washington Post. On Tuesday Lusk won 24 out of 25 precincts in Lee en route to an overwhelming victory.
In his victory speech, Lusk was quick to credit his campaign’s volunteers for the win, and singled out campaign manager Matt Renninger for his efforts and leadership.
“We have worked tirelessly,” Lusk said before a crowd of supporters gathered at the Embassy Suites by Hylton in Springfield. “We have done everything that we could to win this race. And I gotta say, I’m so excited.”
It’s unclear if Lusk will face an opponent in the general election race to replace Supervisor Jeff McKay, who on Tuesday won the Democratic nomination in the Board of Supervisors Chairman race. No Republicans or Independents have filed to run in Lee District, which was also the case in 2015 and 2011.
Should Lusk win the general election, it is believed he would be the first African American man elected to the Board of Supervisors in county history.
On the campaign trail Lusk talked frequently about the disparities between the Richmond Highway area and other parts of the county. His plans including setting up an innovation district to attract better jobs to the highway area, and he also emphasized improving schools and the need for more workforce and affordable housing.
“I made some commitments on the campaign trail,” Lusk said in his speech. And I’m going to work very hard — I’m going to work very hard — to meet all of those obligations and those commitments.”
Lusk has worked for Fairfax County in various roles for 30 years. He’s been with the FCEDA since 1998, and has served as the group’s director of marketing since 2009. Lusk has also held an at-large position on the Park Authority’s board (2002-2004 ), and was later Lee District Planning Commissioner (2004-2010).
Lusk got his start in politics as a land use aide for former Providence District Supervisor Gerry Connolly, who later became board chairman and is now a member of Congress.
Lusk lives in the Hayfield area with his wife Jacquelyn and two daughters. He grew up in the city of Alexandria and attended T.C. Williams High School before graduating from the University of Virginia in 1988.
During the campaign Lusk had talked about his roots, and how his grandparents instilled in him the values that shaped his life. To conclude his victory speech Tuesday, he dedicated the win in their honor.
“This election is to honor them” Lusk said. “Mr. Eddie and Eleanor Dye, this election is for you.”
How Lee District voted for Supervisor
| Candidate | Votes | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Rodney Lusk | 3,173 | 46.21 percent |
| Kelly Hebron, | 1,424 | 20.74 percent |
| James Migliaccio | 1,227 | 17.87 percent |
| Larysa Kautz | 1,042 | 15.18 percent |
Rodney…you did it! We never doubted that you wouldn’t. You are a man of integrity! Your hard work, determination and dedication have always come to fruition in everything you set out to do.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Elder Mike & Minister Ruby Carter
“And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that thy hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it be not to my sorrow! And God granted him that which he requested.”
1 Chronicles 4:10