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May 28 Blog: The June Primaries: Levar Stoney, Arjoon Srikanth and Takis Karantonis
- Libby Garvey
- May 28
- 4 min read
Dear Friends,
One of the purposes of Libby’s Local List is to highlight and support local leaders who are not only smart and capable, but who understand the unique needs of our community, and are willing and able to do to the hard, unglamorous work of government.
Good local governance doesn’t happen in press releases or campaign slogans (or even nice newsletters). It happens in conversations, partnerships, and mutual respect between state and local leaders and their constituents. That’s how we build trust. That’s how we make progress. That's how I tried to serve you through my 28 years in elected office.
There are a number of local and state Democratic primaries this June 17. In a very Democratic Arlington, the primary winner almost always determines who will win the General Election in November. So, the primary may be the only significant contest for a local seat, and the election where your vote is most important. We – at Libby’s Local List – sent a questionnaire to the three candidates running for the House of Delegates position for District 1, which you can read on my website: https://www.libbyslocallist.com/team-3
Lieutenant Governor: Levar Stoney
While Libby’s Local List does not focus as much on statewide races and there is no questionnaire, I wanted you to know that I have given my support to Levar Stoney for Lieutenant Governor. I have known Levar for over 20 years.
I like Levar as a person and especially appreciate the local perspective he will give to the office from his experience as Mayor of Richmond. My years on the County Board and School Board showed me how difficult it can be to work with state officials who do not understand or appreciate local government and the hard work of local elected officials. Levar has always been sympathetic and understanding of our work in Arlington. He stands up for what is right.
You may wish to read the questions put to the Lt. Governor candidates by WAMU.
House of Delegates - District 1: Arjoon Srikanth
Usually, my default in selecting a candidate to support is the incumbent, but not in this case. I appreciate Patrick Hope’s years of service. He’s done a lot of good over the years, passing good legislation and voting reliably for Democratic values.
But in my last several years on the County Board I found Patrick increasingly difficult to work with as he would put in legislation without consulting the County Board or our staff. This meant we had to scramble to either stop or improve a bill that would create headaches for us and seemed not thoroughly thought through. I have not talked directly with Patrick for some time now, but I did not see any awareness regarding this issue in his questionnaire responses. We are facing unprecedented stress from the Federal level and it is important that the County has a mutual respect and partnership with our legislative team in Richmond.
Again, please see my website for questionnaire answers from all 3 candidates running for HD-1: https://www.libbyslocallist.com/team-3
I am happy to endorse Arjoon Srikanth. Elections are always about the future, but we are in a moment that none of us has experienced or asked for. With rising authoritarianism, economic uncertainty, and a fragile social fabric, we need leaders who can meet the moment we are in. We need leaders who don’t just know the process, but can rethink it. We need urgency, humility, and a willingness to build bridges with both community and colleagues.
From interactions with him and his questionnaire responses, I believe that is what Arjoon Srikanth will bring to the table. Arjoon is a first-generation American, a technologist, and a thoughtful listener. He's been impacted by Musk’s and Trump's policies and layoffs. His background isn’t rooted in traditional politics; it’s rooted in problem-solving.
Regarding Sean Epstein, we are glad he is running, however, at this time, we believe he lacks the more in-depth understanding and vision the Virginia House of Delegates work requires.
Arlington County Board: Takis Karantonis
Obviously, I know my former colleague Takis Karantonis quite well. While I do not always agree with Takis, he is head and shoulders above James DeVita who is his challenger.
Attorney General: No Endorsement
The Democratic primary for Attorney General features two impressive candidates: former Delegate Jay Jones and Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor. Both bring deep experience, strong records on public safety, and are well-regarded by their peers. I believe either would serve Virginia well.
Democratic Primary Election Information
First day of In-Person Early Voting: May 2, 2025
Last day to register to vote or update existing registration: May 27, 2025
Same Day Registration begins: May 28, 2025
Last day to apply for a mail ballot: 5pm, June 6, 2025
Last Day of Early Voting: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Election Day: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 (polls open 6am-7pm)
Mail Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before June 17, 2025 and received by 12pm, June 20, 2025
For more specifics about voting, see this webpage: https://vote.arlingtonva.gov/Elections
I hope this information is helpful to my Arlington readers. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions.
Libby
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