ABOUT KEEP FAIRFAX CITY INDEPENDENT
Keep Fairfax City Independent is a nonpartisan Virginia political action committee focused on preserving the City of Fairfax as an independent city. Formally organized in the summer of 2026, Keep Fairfax City Independent is served by long term city residents, small businesses, leaders of nonprofit organizations, and former elected officials.
THE REASON WHY FAIRFAX POLITICIANS ARE INDEPENDENT
-By Chap Petersen
Fairfax City was incorporated in 1964. In its charter from the General Assembly, the City is required to hold non-partisan elections. Specifically, candidates cannot be marked as belonging to a political party, either "R" or "D."
Why is the Charter written that way?
The reason has to do with our unique population. In the 1960's, the majority of working adults in the City were affiliated with the Federal government, whether it was a military branch or a civilian agency. As Federal employees, these citizens were subject to "The Hatch Act" which prohibited them from engaging in partisan politics. So the "non-partisan" language was necessary in order for all citizens to participate in local government. And that's exactly how it happened. (My own father was a Federal employee when he was elected to the City Council as an independent in 1972).
That is why Fairfax City was historically an "independent" jurisdiction, while Fairfax County swung between Republican and Democratic control.
Until 2022, the political parties respected this rule and stayed out of local politics. That year, for the first time, some candidates began identifying as "Democrats" -- despite the language in the Charter.
Our Board of Directors
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Steven Stombres
Steve Stombres is a Founding Partner of Harbinger Strategies, a leading government affairs and consulting firm based in Washington DC. Steve worked on Capitol Hill from 1993 until 2014 and served in the United States Army Reserve from 1987 until 2009. Steve was elected to the Fairfax City Council in 2008 and retired from the City Council in 2014 after three terms in office. In 2016, Mr. Stombres was sworn in as the Eleventh Mayor of the City of Fairfax. He was appointed to that position by the City Council to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of the previous Mayor. He served as the Mayor of Fairfax until February of 2017. Steve graduated in 1993 from Virginia Tech where he studied mathematics and history. He and his wife Kristen currently reside in Fairfax where they raised their three children.
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Chap Petersen
Chap Petersen is a native of Fairfax City and licensed attorney. With his wife Sharon, he owns and operates the Fairfax-based law firm of "Chap Petersen & Associates," which represents clients in local, national and international matters. He has also served as an adjunct law professor at George Mason University and is currently teaching "Global Legal Studies" at Sogang University in Seoul. Chap previously represented Fairfax for 26 years as a City Councilman, State Delegate and four-term State Senator. Sharon and Chap have lived in Fairfax City for thirty years and raised four children who attended local schools.
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Rob Lederer
Life long city resident, five term member of Fairfax city council, five term Mayor, CEO of Responsible Business Alliance Father of three kids .
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Kate Doyle Feingold
Kate Doyle Feingold is a military brat and USMC veteran who has called Fairfax City home since 2013. She is a licensed attorney with a PhD in Criminology, Law & Society from George Mason University. She served on Fairfax City Council for two years and is raising two daughters, who attend City schools, with her husband David.
Fairfax City is geographically surrounded by Fairfax County, but the City and County are separate local governments. Our work helps residents understand that distinction, follow issues affecting the City, and participate in decisions about Fairfax City’s future.
OUR NONPARTISAN APPROACH
We are not affiliated with, controlled by, nor do we operate on behalf of any political party. We do not support or oppose candidates based on party affiliation. We focus on Fairfax City, its residents, and its independent local government. Because the Mayor and City Council members run as independent candidates, Fairfax City voters evaluate candidates directly. We encourage residents to consider each candidate’s qualifications, record, priorities, judgment, and commitment to the City. We welcome residents of all political backgrounds who share an interest in Fairfax City’s future.
WHAT WE DO
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Research.
We research and share issues affecting Fairfax City
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Inform.
We follow public meetings, legislation, meeting information, election and historic resources.
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Engage.
We encourage resident participation in our City’s civic and government affiliated events.
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Preserve.
We advocate preserving Fairfax City's history, our strong residential character, our thoughtful leadership, the City charter and our Independence.
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Elections.
We promote informed, issue-focused, and respectful participation in local elections.
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Political activity.
We conduct lawful, nonpartisan political activity consistent with the committee’s purposes.
OUR COMMITMENT
Credibility matters. We identify sources when publishing factual information. We clearly distinguish public records, factual background, analysis, and organizational advocacy. When we express a position concerning a proposal, candidate, or election, we identify it as the position of Keep Fairfax City Independent.
Independence and Regional Cooperation
INDEPENDENT AND ALIGNED WITH OUR REGIONAL PARTNERS
Preserving Fairfax City’s independent status does not require rejecting regional cooperation. Fairfax City can and does work with neighboring jurisdictions on transportation, education, public safety, infrastructure, environmental issues, and other regional priorities while maintaining its independent governmental identity. Our relationships with regional partners have led to greater services for our City.