Reston Man Announces Candidacy for State Senate

Patrick Forrest, a Republican from Reston, has announced his run for the state Senate's 32nd District.

The attorney, Coast Guard Officer and former senior official at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is the only candidate running in opposition to state Sen. Janet Howell (D) so far.

The filing deadline for primary candidacy is 5 p.m. June 15. Primaries are scheduled for Aug. 23, and all non-party candidates must file by 7 p.m. that day. The general election is Nov. 8.

Because of redistricting, Oakton is now split between the 34th District — a seat currently held by Chap Petersen (D) — and the 32nd District. Previously, the majority of Oakton sat within the 34th District with a handful of voters falling into the 33rd District.

Forrest's announcement gave a pointed review of the way Howell has represented her district, which she has done since 1992.

"Richmond has shaken down Northern Virginia taxpayers for far too long, our families should not be Richmond’s cash cow," Forrest said in a statement. "The truth is that Janet Howell has lost her way and become a Senator of Richmond, by Richmond and for Richmond."

Having never been elected to public office, he also touted himself as an outsider: "Unlike Janet Howell, I do not owe the lobbyists or special interests in Richmond favors, I am not part of the status quo. I will bring a new perspective, a fresh approach, and most importantly an independent voice to the State Senate."

Forrest currently serves on the Fairfax County Public School’s Business & Community Advisory Council, as well as the Fairfax County Textbook Selection Committee.

A graduate of Virginia Military Institute, Syracuse University School of Law and George Washington University School of Law, Forrest received the William J. Fulbright Research Chair in American Studies last year, which he uses to conduct research and lectures on refugee resettlement issues, immigration reform and its impact on economic conditions in North America.