Macdonald had previously served as a Democratic member of the city council between 2003 and 2007 and had run as an independent candidate in 2000.

[3] In March 2012, Macdonald appeared before the Alexandria Republican Committee and asked for their support in a potential bid for Mayor.

Known for his anti-development views, Macdonald said he would make opposition to development on Alexandria's waterfront central to his campaign.

[4] Macdonald opposed the project both on environmental grounds while he also charged that Euille had business relationships with current waterfront tenants.

[9] Vice-mayor Justin Wilson won the Democratic primary, unseating first-term incumbent Allison Silberberg in what was regarded to be an upset victory.

[17] Incumbent Mayor Justin Wilson defeated his predecessor, Allison Silberberg, in a rematch of the 2018 election.

[21] Three candidates entered the race to succeed Wilson: councilors Alyia Gaskins and Amy Jackson, as well as real estate developer Steven Peterson.

The Alexandria Democratic Committee held a straw poll on April 14 at Port City Brewing Company.