Political newcomer Michael A. Hodge is running for the 52nd District House of Delegates seat -- making him the first to announce since incumbent Del. Jeffrey M. Frederick, R-Woodbridge, said he would not seek re-election if elected chair of the Republican Party of Virginia.
Frederick won that contest and his statement to not seek another term has not changed, said his legislative aide, Kathy Royse.
Hodge, a Democrat making his first bid for public office, said he plans to focus his campaign on transportation, healthcare, public safety, education and the economy.
"Civic duty has always been a part of my life," Hodge said. "I was raised in a politically conscious family. "Now I see some issues [in areas] I've worked in and I think I can truly help the citizens of Prince William County."
The 47-year-old Hodge said he served in the Marine Corps as a non-commissioned officer for three years before joining the Secret Service, where he spent 20 years.
Since retiring in 2003, Hodge said he has taught criminal justice and public safety courses as an adjunct professor at three universities and started a security management firm.
Hodge said he now oversees the corporate security department at Washington Gas in Springfield.
"It's never too early to discuss the issues, so this gives me a lot of time to get out and speak to the residents about what is important to them," he said.
Hodge lives in the Montclair section of Prince William with his wife, Trina, and their 18-year-old son. Hodge also has three daughters from a previous marriage.
Hodge is the only Democrat to file, but others have expressed interest in joining the race, said Pete Frisbie, chairman of the Prince William Democratic Committee.
Likewise, a couple of Republicans are "assessing their chances" and doing the preliminary groundwork but nothing is yet official, said Lyle Beefelt, chairman of the Prince William County Republican Committee.
The 52nd District includes portions of Woodbridge, Dumfries, Quantico and Montclair areas.
For additional information on Hodge, visit www.hodgefordelegate.com.
Staff writer Elisa Glushefski can be reached at 703-878-8062.
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