Chairman Stewart Officially Running for Reelection

It’s official. Chairman Corey Stewart has announced he will run for reelection to lead the Prince William Board of County Supervisors once again.

Stewart, a Republican, said he considers himself primarily focused on his job at hand as Chairman and considers fundraising for reelection, or a U.S. Senate seat, to come second.

But, Stewart also said that he is not ruling anything out when it comes to obtaining the seat

“I’ll make a decision about running for Senate sometime next year,” said Stewart. “At the end of the day you never know what is going to happen and I’m not going to plan that far ahead.”

Stewart said that if it ends up that he is not in a position to run for Senate when the time comes, he is prepared to dedicate another four years as Chairman of the board. He was reelected as Chairman at-large of the board in 2007.

Stewart will not be alone in his quest for the Several Democratic candidates and one Haymarket town council member have announced that they will be running against Stewart for the chair – although not all have officially filed for the election.

Stewart believes that the reason he has so many opponents is a direct result of his policy on illegal immigration in Prince William County and Virginia.

“I definitely created some enemies and that’s a consequence of standing firm on a controversial issue,” said Stewart.

Under Stewart’s leadership, the county adopted a 287(g) agreement that allows local police to act as Immigration and Customs and Enforcement agents to check the immigration status of persons in physical custody after arrest. He has also spearheaded the Virginia Rule of Law Act which takes a strong stance against illegal immigration.

As for future plans, Stewart spoke of the improvements he wants to see in the county. Largely, he wants to transform the U.S. Route 1 corridor in Woodbridge.

“In five years, you won’t recognize Woodbridge,” said Stewart of the revitalization plans.

Stewart was joined by his wife Maria, fellow board members Mike May (Occoquan), Vice Chariman Maureen Caddigan (Dumfries), Wally Covington (Brenstville), Marty Nohe (Coles), John Stirrup (Gainesville), county Sherriff Glendell Hill and Clerk of Court Michele McQuigg for his announcement.