ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Alexandria's two-term mayor Justin Wilson will not seek reelection in 2024. He made the announcement in his email newsletter on Friday.
Wilson was first elected mayor of Alexandria in 2018, and reelected in 2021. As Mayor Wilson represents Alexandria on the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Board of Directors. He also serves on several committees for the city.
"I love this job. I am in awe of what we have been able to accomplish by working together during the 13 years I have been able to serve," Wilson wrote. "I would be thrilled to do this job forever. But doing two full-time jobs and being a good husband and father is not sustainable forever. Nor should anyone be in elected office forever. Good governance requires the constant injection of new ideas and energy. Next year, Alexandria will choose a new Mayor. While I may have more to say about that decision at some point, for now, I'm going to hope we get good people to step forward and articulate a vision for Alexandria's future to the great people of our City."
He previously served on the City Council for eight years, including as Vice Mayor from 2016 to 2019.
"On the first day of 2025, I'll take my place on the sidelines," Wilson said Friday. "Until then, we have a lot of work to do, and I have a finite deadline with which to do it."
Most recently, housing in Alexandria changed in a big way with Wilson in charge. Wilson and council members unanimously approved a major rezoning reform on Wednesday.
RELATED: Alexandria officials vote to end single-family-only zoning as part of affordable housing push
The plan called Zoning for Housing/Housing for All recommended several ordinance changes to make housing more accessible in the city, which includes the controversial decision to end single-family-only zoning. Instead of areas in the city made exclusively for single-family homes, developers can add up to four units per lot.
Opponents including Coalition for a Livable Alexandria questioned the speed of passing the zoning changes. Chairman Roy Byrd said city officials need more time to analyze the recommendations and determine the impact on density, infrastructure and overall character of the historic city. He questioned if the plan would truly benefit residents in a city where the median home sale price was over $600,000 in October.