Jamie Areizaga-Soto To Throw His Hat in the Ring for 31st District Dem Nomination?

I’ve been hearing rumors about this news – that US AID senior attorney and U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Areizaga-Soto might throw his hat in the ring for the Democratic nomination in the 31st State Senate district – for weeks now. Earlier this month, for instance, I talked to Areizaga-Soto at the Arlington County Democratic Committee (ACDC) meeting, and he was trying to decide whether to run for Del. Adam Ebbin’s House of Delegates seat (Ebbin’s vacating the seat to run for State Senate), or for the 31st State Senate District (where Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple is retiring), or for the 47th House of Delegates district (if Del. Patrick Hope decided to run for the 31st State Senate district).

I’ve been trying for the past couple of days to confirm persistent rumors I’ve been hearing that  Areizaga-Soto’s definitively decided to leave his federal job and run for the 31st State Senate district Democratic nomination. So far, I haven’t heard back from Areizaga-Soto, and nobody else is confirming it on the record (off the record is another story – lol). However, I’d expect definitive word soon on Areizaga-Soto’s plans shortly.  Stay tuned!

P.S. Another factor in Areizaga-Soto’s thinking is that he definitely seemed disinclined to run in against his friend – and former Tim Kaine aide, including head of the Virginia Liaison Office to Congress – Alfonso Lopez for House of Delegates in the 49th district (Ebbin’s seat). Currently, there’s one announced candidate (Stephanie Dix-Clifford) for that nomination, but it’s widely expected that Lopez will announce his candidacy sometime soon.

P.P.S. For video of Areizaga-Soto speaking at the bipartisan redistricting commission forum at GMU a few weeks ago, see the “flip.”

UPDATE: I should add that Areizaga-Soto is, by all accounts, a strong progressive. Given that fact, as well as his impressive bio, I’d definitely welcome him to this race!