Alexandria, VA – Alyia Gaskins, Alexandria’s newly elected mayor as of November 5, 2024, has earned the support of Alexandria residents due to her long-standing commitment to the city’s youth. As a candidate, she emphasized her focus on youth safety, expanding summer employment, and increasing funding for education and mental health resources. She also championed higher teacher pay and better school facilities. In a pre-election response, she emphasized her efforts to invest in children, including creating the city’s first youth safety and resilience program, expanding summer youth employment, and increasing funding for early childhood education and mental health resources. Gaskins also advocated for higher teacher pay and new school facilities. As mayor, she is committed to continuing her efforts and addressing challenges like school violence.