Press Release: Herndon Mayor Sheila Olem, Former Mayors Lisa Merkel and Mike O’Reilly Endorse Irene Shin for Delegate
Mayor Olem was elected as Mayor in November of 2020 and served on town council from 2010-2021.
Mayor Merkel served as mayor from 2012 to 2020 and on town council from 2010-2012.
Mayor O’Reilly served from 2004 to 2006 as mayor and on town council from 2000-2004.
HERNDON, Va. – Today, Mayor Sheila Olem, former Mayors Lisa Merkel and Mike O’Reilly endorse Irene Shin for Delegate for the 86th District.
“Irene is the kind of collaborative, effective leader Herndon needs in the General Assembly,” said Mayor Sheila Olem. “I know Irene will always put the people of Herndon first. She will listen to and work alongside community stakeholders, and carry our voices to Richmond. Irene will be a hardworking, dedicated, and selfless public servant. I know that as Delegate, she will make a real difference in the lives of Herndon residents.”
“I’ve worked with Irene for years on Democratic issues that affect people right here in Herndon. She will be the type of representative who doesn’t just talk about creating change, but actually gets the work done. From ensuring everyone could safely vote in the pandemic, to helping women across Virginia run for office, Irene has a proven record of delivering results,” said former-Mayor Lisa Merkel. “I’m proud to endorse her to be our next Delegate."
“The 86th District has a long history of effective, collaborative leadership, and that’s the kind of representative we need to send to Richmond,” said former-Mayor Mike O’Reilly. “As former Mayor and as a small business owner right here in downtown Herndon, I look forward to Irene representing our values in the General Assembly. I know she will be a tireless advocate for the people of Herndon, and will make us proud to call her our Delegate."
“I am honored to have the endorsements of Mayor Sheila Olem, former-Mayor Lisa Merkel, and former-Mayor Mike O’Reilly,” Irene Shin said. “They are all incredible leaders for Herndon, and share my values of hard work, building consensus, and transparency. As Delegate, I will always listen to the concerns of the community and will fight for tangible change, just as these Mayors have done. I am grateful they’ve put their trust in me, and look forward to working with them on issues affecting our constituents, including expanding access to affordable healthcare, moving toward a green economy, and ensuring all students get a world-class public education.”
---
Irene Shin has worked as a community organizer, an activist, and a General Assembly advocate for a number of causes including improving access to healthcare, fighting Big Money's influence in politics, and expanding voting rights to all Virginians.
Irene has also worked to bring transportation solutions and improved mass transit to the region, having served as a member of the Tysons Transportation District Service Advisory Board for Fairfax County.
A lifelong Democrat, Irene has helped dozens of ordinary citizens prepare to run for office. She serves on the board of the Competitive Commonwealth Fund, which recruits and trains Democratic candidates for the House of Delegates across Virginia.
Currently, Irene is the executive director for a nonprofit focused on increasing civic engagement in Virginia.
Irene lives in downtown Herndon. She enjoys visiting local businesses and walking on the W&OD Trail.
###