Merkel: "Jennifer takes the time to listen to every person she meets and truly understand their hopes and struggles."
Today, former Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel announced her endorsement of State Senator Jennifer Boysko in her campaign for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. As a longtime neighbor and friend, Merkel highlighted Boysko’s tireless work ethic, compassionate nature, and deep understanding of the community.
“I’ve known Jennifer Boysko since before either of us entered politics, and I can say without hesitation that she is one of the most dedicated public servants I’ve ever met,” said Merkel. “As my neighbor, I’ve seen firsthand Jennifer’s dogged determination to improve the lives of those around her. Whether she’s knocking on doors to hear constituents’ concerns, volunteering at local charities, or burning the midnight oil in Richmond to pass critical legislation, Jennifer’s work ethic is simply tireless.”
Merkel, who served as Mayor of Herndon from 2012 to 2020, also praised Boysko’s kind and thoughtful approach to leadership.
“What sets Jennifer apart is not just her tenacity, but her genuinely compassionate heart,” Merkel continued. “Jennifer takes the time to listen to every person she meets and truly understand their hopes and struggles. She doesn’t just talk about making government work for the people — she puts in the hard work to make it happen. That’s the kind of considerate and committed leadership Northern Virginia needs in Congress.”
“I’m honored to have the support of my dear friend Lisa Merkel,” said Boysko. “As Mayor, Lisa exemplified the very best of local leadership — always putting people over politics and working tirelessly to make Herndon an even better place to call home. I look forward to continuing our partnership on behalf of our shared community.”
Prior to her historic tenure as Herndon’s first woman elected mayor, Merkel served as Vice Mayor from 2010 to 2012. Under her leadership, Herndon made major strides in downtown revitalization, transit-oriented development around the new Metro station, and quality of life improvements for residents. Senator Boysko and her family have lived next door to Lisa Merkel’s family for more than 20 years.
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Boysko is a Virginia State Senator and the Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. She is the only Northern Virginia Senator negotiating Virginia’s state budget where she is working to deliver $2.5 billion in new education funding, millions to save Metro, and important investments to improve mental health services and combat climate change. Senator Boysko represented as many as 200,000 residents in Loudoun County for 8 years in the General Assembly. Among her long and accomplished legislative record, this year she carried the constitutional amendment to ensure abortion access, collective bargaining, and paid family and medical leave.
