Candidate Profile: Theresa Coates Ellis For Manassas City Council

MANASSAS, VA – Seven candidates are running for three seats on the Manassas City Council.

Patch invited each of the candidates to share their backgrounds, priorities and views on issues facing Manassas residents through its candidate questionnaire.

Theresa Coates Ellis is a small business founder and Manassas City Council incumbent running for re-election. Her answers to Patch's questions are below.

Name

Theresa Coates Ellis

Party affiliation

Republican

Party endorsements

Republican

Campaign website

TheresaCoatesEllis.com

Campaign social media

Theresa Coates Ellis for Manassas

Why are you running for this office?

To serve the community of Manassas City for a vibrant place to thrive.

What do constituents tell you is most important to them for the coming term?

Reduce high utility and tax bills that increased dramatically for affordability. Redevelop land that was purchased by the city but not with data centers, due to high infrastructure usage. Improve safety and school performance to provide a quality education for students.

What are your day-one priorities, if elected?

Use data center revenue to improve infrastructure and reduce high utility and tax bills to help lift the burden off of the community.

What are your longer-term goals, if elected?

Improve tourism to add revenue, adding more history, preservation, and culture events — our competitive advantage — to attract new visitors when the Washington Manassas commercial airport launches in 2027

What about your professional or other background has prepared you for this office?

Small local small business owner with management, finance and healthcare experience. My husband George and I raised 1 son and 6 daughters — all unique in their careers and interests. Founder of the Manassas Bee Festival (7th year). Master gardener and basic beekeeping skills who supports green space and sustainable living. Rooted in the community with leadership and connections from Rotary, Manassas City Public School Education Foundation, Inter-Service Club Council, George Mason Communication Alum of the Year 2019 and marketing committee for the 2026 Innovation District Committee Nexus234.

Aside from winning the election, what has been your most important campaign goal?

Continued community meet-ups and events to stay connected and hear from people. Safety is a concern and as an elected official, I will prioritize this goal because our community deserves to be safe in their city.