Brady, Schultz Compete to Finish Chesterfield School Board Term
TL;DR: Chesterfield voters will choose between an insurance industry worker and a former Fairfax school board member to finish a vacant term on the county school board, with the election set for November 3, 2026.
Quick facts
- Who: Christina Brady (first-time candidate, works in IT/insurance) and Elizabeth Schultz (former Fairfax County School Board member, 8 years; former state associate superintendent of public instruction)
- What: Special election for Clover Hill district seat on Chesterfield County School Board
- When: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Where: Chesterfield County
The story
Chesterfield County voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to fill a vacant school board seat representing the Clover Hill district. The race pits Christina Brady, a first-time political candidate and mother of four who relocated to Chesterfield in 2021, against Elizabeth Schultz, a veteran education official with eight years on Fairfax County's school board and prior experience at the state and federal level.
The seat opened when Dot Heffron, the board's chair, resigned in September 2025 after making controversial Instagram comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed in a shooting at Utah Valley University. An interim replacement, Jenna Darby, was appointed but chose not to run in this election.
Brady brings a parent's perspective shaped by navigating the school system during and after the COVID-era. She emphasizes practical concerns: reducing screen time in elementary schools, improving support for special needs students, ensuring students have access to food and mental health resources, and focusing on student safety. She also supports a 1 percent sales tax referendum to fund school construction and infrastructure improvements.
Schultz brings extensive education policy experience. She served on Fairfax County's School Board from 2012 to 2019, then moved to policy roles including the U.S. Department of Education during the Trump administration and the Youngkin administration's Office of Educational Technology. She has called for listening to parents, students, and taxpayers through direct engagement like student town halls. Unlike Brady, Schultz declined to take a public stance on the 1 percent sales tax referendum, saying "I believe it is up to the taxpayers to determine whether they wish to support paying an additional tax."
Both candidates support limiting Chromebook usage for elementary students, a policy change that followed parental concerns about screen time. However, they differ sharply on gender identity instruction in schools. Schultz has been an outspoken critic of adding lessons on gender identity and transgender issues to sex education curriculum. Brady supports the county's 2024 parental notification policy on student gender identity while emphasizing that schools should remain "safe, welcoming, and supportive places for every student."
The winner must run again in 2027 to continue the seat with other board members facing re-election.
Key players
- Christina Brady: First-time candidate for Clover Hill district school board seat
- Elizabeth Schultz: Former Fairfax County School Board member and state education official, candidate for Clover Hill district seat
- Dot Heffron: Former Clover Hill district board member whose resignation created the vacancy
Key dates
- 2026-09-18: Early voting begins for November 3 election
- 2026-11-03: General Election Day and special election for Clover Hill school board seat
The case for
Brady offers a fresh perspective as an engaged parent and first-time candidate focused on practical school concerns like special education support, mental health, and student safety. She backs specific revenue measures (the 1 percent sales tax) to fund infrastructure needs and has direct experience navigating the school system for families with diverse needs.
The case against
Schultz brings proven board experience and education policy expertise from roles at multiple levels of government. Her track record on education issues and direct work in school governance provides tested knowledge of how boards operate and how to engage stakeholders, though her reluctance to take a clear stance on school funding may concern voters seeking clear fiscal commitments.
Why it matters: This race shapes the direction of Chesterfield schools on issues affecting all families: technology use, special education support, curriculum decisions, and school funding. The winner will help set priorities for the county's second-largest budget after transportation and facilities management.
Places
Development timeline
- 2025-09-10Charlie Kirk shooting at Utah Valley University: Conservative activist killed in shooting [source]
- 2025-09-14Dot Heffron announces resignation: Clover Hill board member announces resignation following controversial Instagram post about Charlie Kirk [source]
- 2025-12-31Dot Heffron's resignation effective date: Former board chair's resignation takes effect [source]
- 2026-09-18Early voting begins: In-person early voting opens for November 3 election [source]
- 2026-11-03Special election for Clover Hill school board seat: Voters choose between Christina Brady and Elizabeth Schultz to finish the vacant board term [source]
Related links
- VPM: Brady, Schultz vie to finish Chesterfield school board term
- Richmonder: Chesterfield's lone school board race pits a political veteran against a newcomer
- Chesterfield County Early Voting and Election Information
- 1 For Schools Referendum
Read the original at VPM News →
Sources
- VPM - Brady, Schultz vie to finish Chesterfield school board term
- Richmonder - Chesterfield's lone school board race pits a political veteran against a newcomer
- Chesterfield County - Early Voting Begins for Nov. 3 Election
- Chesterfield School Board eyes 2026 special election to fill Heffron vacancy