Meet Bryan

Bryan’s campaign motto is “an innovative prosecutor with proven results.” Bryan has 30 years of law enforcement experience, has personally tried over 100 jury trials, and has, in his three terms as Commonwealth’s Attorney, initiated thoughtful policies that make Alexandria a safe, vibrant, and just place to work.

Born and raised in Alexandria, Bryan graduated from our City’s only public high school where his father, John, was principal. After college, Bryan began his law enforcement career as a police officer, first with the Metro Transit Police in D.C. and then with his hometown Alexandria Police Department. Bryan attended George Mason University’s School of Law while working the midnight shift as a police officer and became an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney upon passing the Virginia Bar examination. Bryan served as a line prosecutor for 12 years, specializing in homicide, firearms, and complex narcotics prosecution. In 2013, upon the retirement of his predecessor, Randy Sengel, Bryan was elected as Alexandria’s top prosecutor.

During his three terms as Commonwealth’s Attorney, Bryan has emphasized both accountability and public safety. Bryan has personally led the investigation into at least 100 homicides, to include the successful prosecution of serial killer Charles Severance for the murders of Nancy Dunning, Ron Kirby, and Ruthanne Lodato.  

While securing a reputation as a fierce trial attorney, Bryan has also shown compassion toward non-violent offenders. During his tenure, Bryan has implemented a felony diversion program, a mental health initiative, and a substance abuse recovery docket. These initiatives give non-violent offenders a chance to avoid a felony conviction while simultaneously offering a path to treatment and recovery from mental health and substance abuse disorders, two significant drivers of recidivism.

Bryan is a respected leader in his chose profession. In 2013, Bryan won the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys (VACA) prestigious outstanding prosecutor of the year award, and he was recently selected by his peers to serve as the VACA president. In 2017, Bryan was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Board of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and is currently the Vice Chair of that board. Bryan has taught hundreds of classes on legal topics as varied as constitutional law, the Virginia expungement process, and the investigation of complex cases such as homicide and sexual assault. Bryan has written extensively about the criminal system and has been a regular contributor to true crime podcasts.

Bryan is proud of his record as an innovative prosecutor with proven results. He is humbled to serve his hometown community. Should you like to talk to him about how he might earn your vote, please email him at bryan@bryanporter2025.com.