$2.2M Spent By Democrats In 11th District Congressional Primary

FAIRFAX, VA — Democratic Party candidates who ran in the June 28 firehouse primary in the 11th District congressional race reported spending more than $2.2 million on their campaigns. That's about $339,000 more than they raised in political donations, according to the latest financial filings with the Federal Election Commission.

Nine Democratic candidates reported receiving a combined $1,949,763.60 in donations for the primary, but spent a total of $2,288,768.21. That left a difference of $339,004.61. The FEC reported that it did not have a financial filing from the 10th candidate in the race, Ross William Branstetter IV.

Once all votes were tallied, Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw was declared the winner, receiving a total of 22,403 votes (59.54 percent). Del. Irene Shin (D-Herndon) came in second with 5,368 votes (14.27%).

Democratic Firehouse Primary Results

• 22,403 - James Walkinshaw (Winner - 59.54%)
• 5,368 - Irene Shin (14.27%)
• 5,043 - Stella Pekarsky (13.40%)
• 2,697 - Amy Roma (7.17%)
• 710 - Dan Lee (1.89%)
• 498 - Leo Martinez Nucete (1.32%)
• 396 - Amy Papanu (1.05%)
• 232 - Dr. Priya Punnoose (0.62%)
• 190 - Candice Bennett (5.00%)
• 25 - Ross William Branstetter IV, Ross William IV (0.07%)

“I’m proud that our campaign earned the support of nearly 2,000 grassroots donors across the district," Walkinshaw told Patch on Thursday. "Voter enthusiasm was undeniable — this race saw the highest turnout of any Congressional firehouse primary in Virginia history. Our broad support and the turnout on June 28 demonstrate that Democrats are energized and unified heading into the Sept. 9 Special Election.”

Last November, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA 11th) revealed that he'd been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and was receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment. However, the cancer returned and the congressman's family announced he had died on May 21.

A special election to fill the vacant seat in Virginia's 11th Congressional District was scheduled for Sept. 9. Both Democrats and Republicans hosted primary events on June 28 to choose their candidates, with GOP voters choosing Stewart Whitson.

Spending the most on a primary campaign did not guarantee victory for Amy Roma, who spent about $200,000 more on her campaign than Walkinshaw, according to the FEC filings. She finished fourth in vote totals (2,697/7.17%) compared to the winning candidate, Walkinshaw (22,403/59.54%).

How Much Candidates Spent On Firehouse Primary

• $734,369.55 - Amy Roma
• $535,053.77 - James Walkinshaw
• $338,806 - Stella Pekarsky
• $163,392.50 - Leo Martinez Nucete
• $117,728.53 - Irene Shin
• $112,762.93 - Dan Lee
• $96,534.94 - Amy Papanu
• $48,203 -Dr. Priya Punnoose
• $24,123.16 - Candice Bennett
• $0 - Ross William Branstetter IV

This meant that each of Roma's votes cost $137.80 compared to Walkinshaw's $23.88 per vote spending.

Early voting for the Sept. 9 special election begins on July 25.

Donations Received In Democratic Firehouse Primary

• $768,674.68 - James Walkinshaw reported spending $535,053.77 from May 4 to June 30, which left him with $233,620.91 in the bank and $28,689.75
• $532,500.12 - Amy Roma received $400,000 in loans and reported spending $734,369.55 on her campaign. This left her with $198,130.57 in the bank and $400,000 in loan debt.
• $180,558 - Leo Martinez Nucete reported spending $163,392.50 on his campaign, which left him with $17,165.50 in the bank and $6,935.48 in loan debt.
• $141,370.70 - Irene Shin reported spending $117,728.53 on her campaign. This left her with $23,642.17 in the bank and no loan debt.
• $96,534.94 - Amy Papanu reported spending all of the $96,534.94 in contributions she received from April 1 to July 3. She had no money left in the bank and did not have any loan debt.
• $88,406 - Stella Pekarsky received $250,000 in loans. As of June 30, she reported spending $338,806 on her campaign, which left her with -$40,023.26 in the bank and owing $250,000 in loan debt.
• $73,321 - Dan Lee took out $50,000 in loans and spent $112,762.93, which left him with $14,323.60 in the bank and $56,235.37 in loan debt as of June 30.
• $26,123.16 - Candice Bennett started with $1,372 on April 1, and spent $24,751.49. She had an ending cash balance on June 30 of $2,743.34 and $12,570.74 in outstanding debts.
• $42,275 - Dr. Priya Punnoose raised $42,275 and received loans of $20,000. She reported spending $48,203 and refunding $525 in contributions. As of June 30, she had $13,547 in the bank and $20,000 in loan debt.
• $0 - Ross William Branstetter IV - FEC did not have any campaign filings for this candidate.

This is the first of two stories about how much each party's candidates reported spending in the June 28 primary. Check back on Friday to read how much Republican candidates spent.

Also See ...

• Stewart Whitson Running For Congress To Listen, Represent Voters' Values
• Opposing Trump Policies Reason Walkinshaw Seeks To Succeed Connolly In Congress
• Independent Candidate Not On Ballot In 11th District Race
• Democrats Announce Winner Of 11th District Firehouse Primary
• Stewart Whitson Wins GOP Canvass In 11th District Race
• Virginia Congressman Dies After Cancer Diagnosis

Get The Latest Local News (For Free!) With One Quick Tap