“The Republican Party definitely has a lot of problems with suburban voters,” said D.J. Jordan, who is running as a Republican in a district now held by Del. Elizabeth Guzmán, D-Prince William.

Jordan, who commutes to Alexandria where he works in public relations, said focusing on the issues that matter to suburban voters, like transportation, education and business growth, will be critical for winning in districts like his.

“I think diversity does play a role, too,” said Jordan, who is African-American. “Our state’s suburban regions are so diversified — Prince William County is a minority-majority county — and the Republican Party has failed miserably in reaching those people.”

“To be able to better connect with the suburbs, I do think we need to be more diverse,” he said.

Jordan, who has four children of his own and has fostered others, was appointed by McDonnell to serve on the state’s Social Services board, which oversees the foster care system.

While he said the transportation issues facing his Northern Virginia district will be the focus of his campaign, he is also hoping to work on improving services for the state’s foster children and struggling families.