Why I’m Running

Friends and neighbors,

I’m Mason Butler, and I’m running to be your next Delegate in the Virginia House of Delegates, District 5.

This wasn’t a decision I made lightly. My wife Kristin and I have called Alexandria home for over a decade. We’ve built our life here—walking our dogs Derby and Lily Rose through Old Town, volunteering with organizations like The Campagna Center and Alexandria Rotary, and getting to know so many of you as neighbors and friends.

But I’ve watched as Alexandria has become harder and harder to afford.

Young professionals who grew up here can’t afford to come back. Families are stretched thin by housing costs, childcare, and grocery bills that keep climbing. Seniors on fixed incomes are wondering if they can stay in the community they’ve called home for decades. Teachers, firefighters, and police officers—the people who keep our city running—can’t afford to live in the city they serve.

This isn’t the Alexandria any of us signed up for.

I’ve spent 20 years as an IT executive, solving complex problems and managing teams. I graduated from the Alexandria City Academy because I wanted to understand how our local government actually works. I’ve served as an Alexandria Election Official because I believe in the integrity of our democratic process. And I’ve served on the city’s Scooter Commission because even the small details of how our city functions matter to me.

Here’s what all that experience taught me: Richmond isn’t listening to us.

They’re not hearing from the family choosing between groceries and the electric bill. They’re not hearing from the young couple who wants to buy their first home but keeps getting priced out. They’re not hearing from the small business owner watching costs eat into already thin margins. They keep spending, but working Alexandrians aren’t seeing relief.

I’m running because I believe it’s time for that to change.

If elected, here’s what I’ll fight for:

• Lowering the cost of living for ALL Alexandrians. This is my top priority. Whether you’re a young professional trying to afford your first apartment, a family juggling childcare costs, or a senior stretching every dollar—you deserve a delegate who’s fighting to keep more money in your pocket. I’ll push for tax relief, affordable housing solutions, and policies that actually ease the burden on working families.
• Competitive pay for our public servants. Our teachers, firefighters, and police officers are the backbone of this community. They deserve salaries that let them live here—not commute from an hour away. When we pay them fairly, they stay. And when they stay, our schools are stronger and our neighborhoods are safer.
• Government that’s accountable to you. I want to know where your tax dollars are going—and whether they’re actually delivering results. I’ll push for transparency in how Richmond spends our money and make sure Alexandria’s voice is heard in every debate that affects our community.
• Practical solutions for everyday problems. From fixing our flooding infrastructure to addressing traffic and transportation, I’m focused on the issues that impact your daily life—not political theater.
• A truly independent voice. I’m not running to climb a political ladder or toe a party line. I’m running to represent you—your family, your budget, your future in this community.

The special election is February 10.

In a low-turnout election, every single vote matters. I’m asking for yours—and I’m asking for your help. Talk to your neighbors. Share why this race matters. And most importantly, show up on Election Day.
Alexandria has always been a community where people from all walks of life could build a good life. Let’s make sure it stays that way.

With gratitude,
Mason Butler

P.S. — I’d love to hear from you. What’s making life harder for your family right now? What would actually make a difference? Reach out anytime—I’m listening.