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Very interesting development in the “data center capital of the world,” Loudoun County, where Supervisor Juli Briskman this morning is announcing her candidacy for Chair (see press release, below), against incumbent (since January 2016) Phyllis Randall. And the main argument from Briskman, not surprisingly, is about the hot topic du jour – data centers, namely her strong opposition to more of them (as Briskman says, “I’m running for Chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors because data centers shouldn’t get to decide our county’s future. It’s time to stand up to them – and stand with the people of Loudoun. I’ve never backed down from a bully before. I won’t start now.“) On this subject, Randall – who has presided over a massive expansion of data centers in Loudoun, as well as all the pros (huge $$$ into the county’s coffers; something like 40% of Loudoun’s General Fund revenues, for instance) and cons (noise, siting, pollution, etc.) that come from those data centers – recently held a town hall on the topic; check it out, here.
Anyway, the bottom line is that in 2026, 2027 and beyond, we’re going to see voters’ anger (whether justified or not) against data centers playing out in U.S. and Virginia politics; stay tuned, could be wild!
P.S. On a related note, a few weeks ago, Briskman: “received sharp criticism from her fellow board members during a Wednesday night meeting for her actions dating back five years that culminated in her being removed from her position as chair of the board’s finance committee. The proposal to replace Briskman with Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) was supported by a narrow majority of the board. It passed on a 5-3-1 vote, with Briskman joined by supervisors Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) and Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River) in opposition and Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) absent. Publicly censuring a fellow board member is a rare action that has occurred only twice in recent memory including Steven Whitmer for confronting other board members with abusive language in 1999 and Eugene Delgaudio in 2013 after a grand jury investigated allegations that he used county staff and resources to solicit donations for an advocacy group. ”
Juli Briskman Announces Campaign for Chair of Loudoun County Board of Supervisors To Stop Data Centers
Briskman: “It’s time to stand up to data centers and big corporations”
STERLING, VA – Juli Briskman today announced her campaign for Chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. Briskman – a two-term member of the Board representing the Algonkian District – is focusing her campaign on the fight to stop data centers from taking over the county.
Early endorsers of Briskman’s campaign for Chair include Loudoun County School Board Chair April Chandler, Loudoun Soil and Water Commissioner Uzma Rasheed, Loudoun School Board Member Sumera Rashid, and former Loudoun NAACP President Phillip Thompson. All endorsers listed below.
“For too long, we’ve been told we don’t have a choice and that we can’t stop data centers and big corporations from taking over our county,” said Briskman. “I’m running for Chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors because it doesn’t have to be this way. It’s time to stand up to data centers and big corporations and stand with the people of Loudoun to build a community that’s affordable and livable for all of us. I’ve never backed down from a bully before, and I won’t start now.”
As a single mom who raised two children in Loudoun County Public Schools, Briskman understands what makes this community special. After famously standing up to Donald Trump, she took that same fighting spirit to the Board of Supervisors. In two terms on the Board, Briskman has voted against every data center expansion and rezoning since 2022 and is leading the charge to stop any more development.
In her tenure on the Board, Briskman has also cut red tape for rural businesses, spearheaded smart redevelopment, and improved transportation. She continues to be one of Loudoun’s strongest voices for progressive values, fighting to block the County Sheriff’s cooperation with dangerous ICE deportations and supporting our LGBTQ neighbors.
As Chair of the Board, Briskman’s priorities will include ending runaway data center sprawl, lowering housing costs, building a more diverse economy, and ensuring county government works for the people who live here – not just billionaires and corporate interests.
Watch Briskman’s announcement on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Endorsers
Loudoun County School Board Chair April Chandler
“Supervisor Briskman’s laser-like focus on livability, smart development, and finding the right partners to rejuvenate our retail spaces has greatly benefited the Algonkian community. I am excited about what could be accomplished if she were to apply that same focus to all of Loudoun County. I have witnessed Supervisor Briskman’s collaborative approach first hand during my time as her elected counterpart on the School Board. She has been an incredible partner, as she routinely prioritizes listening to understand and then solve the problems that are impacting Algonkian, while always respecting the boundaries of our respective roles. Loudoun’s schools and the entire county will benefit from having Supervisor Briskman as Chair.”
Loudoun School Board Member Sumera Rashid (Little River)
“I learned of Juli’s tenacity and collaborativeness when we ran for office on the same ticket in 2023. Since I’ve served on the school board, Juli has differentiated herself as a Supervisor who is always willing to communicate and solve problems together. I know she is focused on what’s best for our kids, families and the entire community. That’s why she has my full support.”
Vice Chair of the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board of Directors Uzma Rasheed
“Juli Briskman fights for what matters. She has been engaged with the County residents and solutions driven when responding to their concerns. She has been standing up against data center sprawl to protect our communities. She supports policies that balance growth with preservation of natural resources. I look forward to her continued leadership on these hard issues and our shared values of inclusion and sustainability for a more livable Loudoun.”
Former Loudoun NAACP President Phillip Thompson
“I am officially endorsing Juli Briskman’s campaign for Chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. As a former Marine Officer, truthfulness and honesty are important to me. Juli has always stood by her word and consistently supported issues impacting minorities in Loudoun County. You can trust Juli to keep her word, an uncommon political attribute.”
State Senator Saddam Salim
“I’m proud to endorse Juli Briskman for Chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. As colleagues on the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, I’ve seen firsthand her principled, effective leadership and her commitment to building communities that work for everyone. Juli has been a strong partner in advancing housing affordability, standing up for immigrant families against harmful ICE cooperation, and championing the progressive policies Northern Virginia needs. As a member of the General Assembly, I have been able to count on Juli as a trusted local-government partner whenever issues affecting Loudoun and communities across the Commonwealth arise. Loudoun deserves a Chair who leads with courage, compassion, and a clear vision for an inclusive future. That leader is Juli Briskman.”
Former Delegate Kathleen Murphy
“When I ran for the House of Delegates (and won), Juli was there for me. I have been a great supporter ever since. She is dedicated to her community and has worked relentlessly for policy initiatives that have lowered tax bills, housing costs, and childcare fees for Loudouners. She has made the county safer from gun violence, pushed back against ICE influence over our local law enforcement, and helped build playgrounds for Title 1 schools. I support Juli for Chair because I know she will be focused on the important issues and work hard on behalf of the people of this community.”
Former Delegate Wendy Gooditis
“As a horse enthusiast and former Western Loudoun Delegate, I am extremely concerned about uncontrolled data center sprawl and the pressures it has created on our water resources and rural lands. Supervisor Briskman is on the right side of this issue and has been fighting for transparency and accountability for years. I support Juli for Chair because she’s the right person to lead Loudoun in this critical moment.”
Loudoun 4 All
“Loudoun4All is proud to endorse Algonkian District Supervisor Juli Briskman for Loudoun County Chair At-Large. When it mattered most, on accountability, community protections, and the ever-expanding data center problem, she has consistently stood in solidarity with and in service to Loudoun County residents.”
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Juli Briskman is running for Chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors because it’s time to stand up to data centers and big corporations and stand with the people of Loudoun to build a community that’s affordable and livable for all of us. Learn more at BriskmanForChair.com.
