Republican Jeannie LaCroix Wins Woodbridge District Supervisor Special Election in Upset Victory

LaCroix defeats Democratic nominee Muhammed Casim and write-in candidate Pamela Montgomery in low-turnout race marked by controversy and party division.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Republican Jeannie M. LaCroix has won the special election for the Woodbridge District seat on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, defeating Democratic nominee Muhammed Sufiyan 'Sef' Casim and write-in candidate Pamela Montgomery in a low-turnout contest. LaCroix received 43.73% of the vote, Casim 37.07%, and write-ins (primarily for Montgomery) 19.20%. The seat became vacant after former Supervisor Margaret Franklin resigned following her January 2026 victory in a special election for Virginia House District 23.

Why it matters

The race centered on local priorities like opposition to data centers near residential areas, affordable housing, public safety, transportation, school funding, and economic development. The campaign was dominated by backlash against Casim's resurfaced controversial social media posts, which drew bipartisan condemnation and contributed to splitting the Democratic vote, handing LaCroix the victory.

The details

LaCroix, a longtime Woodbridge resident and local businesswoman, campaigned on family values, safer communities, better schools, and economic opportunity. Casim, a Woodbridge businessman and political newcomer, positioned himself as potentially the first Muslim elected to the Board and focused on affordable housing, public safety, and criticizing data centers. Montgomery, a U.S. Army veteran and former Judge Advocate General officer, launched a write-in bid citing Casim's inadequate response to the controversy and concerns over trust in the diverse community.

  • The special election was held on March 10, 2026.
  • LaCroix will fill the remainder of former Supervisor Margaret Franklin's term, which ends in December 2027.
  • If LaCroix wishes to retain the seat beyond that date, she must run for re-election in the November 2027 general election.

The players

Jeannie M. LaCroix

A longtime Woodbridge resident, local businesswoman, and real estate agent from Belmont Bay, LaCroix was selected as the GOP nominee and campaigned on family values, safer communities, better schools, and economic opportunity.

Muhammed Sufiyan 'Sef' Casim

A Woodbridge businessman and political newcomer who immigrated to the U.S. at age 14, Casim won the Democratic firehouse primary and positioned himself as potentially the first Muslim elected to the Board, focusing on affordable housing, public safety, and criticizing data centers.

Pamela 'Pam' Montgomery

A U.S. Army veteran, former Judge Advocate General officer, and lifelong Democrat, Montgomery lost the primary but launched a write-in bid, citing Casim's inadequate response to the controversy and concerns over trust in the diverse community.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

LaCroix will join the Board of County Supervisors, representing the Woodbridge District. Official certification of results is expected in the coming days, with post-election campaign finance reports due April 9.

The takeaway

This race highlights the ongoing tensions within the Democratic party, with the controversy over Casim's past social media posts contributing to a split in the Democratic base and handing the victory to the Republican candidate in a historically Democratic district. The outcome raises questions about the party's ability to unite and appeal to diverse constituencies in local elections.