Manassas Mayor Announces Early Resignation

City Council colleagues react to Davis-Younger's decision to step down in 2026, two years before her term ends.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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In a surprise announcement, Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger stated during a City Council meeting that she will be resigning from her position at the end of 2026, two years before her term was set to expire. Davis-Younger cited her belief in term limits and the importance of allowing new leadership to take over the city's institutions.

Why it matters

The early resignation of a sitting mayor is an uncommon occurrence that can have significant implications for the continuity of local government and the city's future direction. Davis-Younger's decision to step down before her term is up has prompted reactions from her City Council colleagues and raised questions about the transition process.

The details

During Monday's City Council meeting, Mayor Davis-Younger announced that she will be resigning from her position at the end of 2026, two years before her term was scheduled to end. In her remarks, she emphasized her belief in term limits and the importance of allowing new leadership to take over the city's institutions, stating 'They are of faith - faith that the people coming behind us are ready. The institutions we serve are bigger than the individuals who serve them.'

  • Mayor Davis-Younger announced her resignation during the City Council meeting on Monday, February 12, 2026.
  • Her resignation will take effect at the end of 2026, two years before her term was set to expire.

The players

Michelle Davis-Younger

The current mayor of Manassas, Virginia, who has announced she will be resigning from her position at the end of 2026, two years before her term was scheduled to end.

Manassas City Council

The governing body of the City of Manassas, Virginia, whose colleagues have reacted to Mayor Davis-Younger's announcement of her early resignation.

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What they’re saying

“They are of faith - faith that the people coming behind us are ready. The institutions we serve are bigger than the individuals who serve them.”

— Michelle Davis-Younger, Mayor (wn.com)

The takeaway

Mayor Davis-Younger's decision to resign early from her position in Manassas reflects her belief in term limits and the importance of allowing new leadership to guide the city's institutions. Her announcement has prompted reactions from her City Council colleagues and raised questions about the transition process, underscoring the significant impact a sitting mayor's early resignation can have on local government.