Dr. Priya Punnoose Aims To Be Voice Of Science-Driven Policies In Congress

FAIRFAX, VA — Dr. Priya Punnoose is running in the 11th District race to be a voice for science-driven policies and for trust in CDC and FDA guidance, especially in vaccine strategy and public health.

"We can and should be doing more to address mental health," she said. "Funding early intervention programs, school-based emotional health education, and increasing access to child psychiatrists and therapists are key to confronting the youth mental health crisis. We must push for online protections for kids using social media. We need to reform how we care for adults with mental illness, but also address the loneliness crisis that especially affects our aging population."

Punnoose is one of 10 Democrats running to succeed former U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11th), who died of esophageal cancer on May 21. A special election has been scheduled for Sept. 9 to fill the vacant seat in Congress.

As part of its coverage of the June 28 unassembled caucus, also called a "firehouse primary," hosted by the the 11th Congressional District Democratic Committee, Patch invited each of the 10 candidates on the ballot to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they're the best person to fill the job they're running for. The following are Punnoose's responses.

What is your name?

Dr. Priya Punnoose

How old will you be on election day?

39

What is your occupation and the number of years you've worked in this field?

Child Psychiatrist, 10 Years

What is the single issue that defines your candidacy?

Throughout my career, I have always believed that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege.

As a psychiatrist who has treated children, adolescents, and adults, I know first-hand that Medicaid and Medicare are the backbone of care for millions. In Congress, I will be a voice for science-driven policies and for trust in CDC and FDA guidance, especially in vaccine strategy and public health.

We can and should be doing more to address mental health. Funding early intervention programs, school-based emotional health education, and increasing access to child psychiatrists and therapists are key to confronting the youth mental health crisis. We must push for online protections for kids using social media.

We need to reform how we care for adults with mental illness, but also address the loneliness crisis that especially affects our aging population.

I will be an advocate for reproductive health rights, including access to contraception, abortion, and prenatal care. We must tackle the maternal mortality crisis, especially for Black and Brown women.

If we want to make our system truly equitable, we must move toward universal healthcare and fight for lower prescription drug prices so no one has to choose between medicine and rent.

What makes you the best candidate to represent the Democratic Party in the Sept. 9 special election?

I’m a doctor, not a career politician. I’m running for Congress because I saw a chance to serve people in the 11th District — and across Virginia. My work as a child psychiatrist in the ER gave me a front row seat to the gaps in our healthcare system. It’s my job to walk with children and families to find solutions to the problems they’re facing and I’ll do the same thing in Washington.

What impact has the Trump administration's second term had on the 11th District so far and how would you advocate for your constituents while in the minority?

The attack on the federal workforce has been devastating for the 11th District. These are people who have dedicated their lives to public service, but have been treated with disrespect. Gutting federal departments is a direct threat to our democracy and national security.

At a time when federal workers have been fired and everyone is feeling the impact of rising prices, the administration’s attacks on Medicare and Medicaid are adding insult to injury. These programs are the backbone of care for millions, including people across the 11th District.

In my work as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, it’s my job to work with patients and their families to find solutions to the most challenging problems — even when we don’t necessarily see eye-to-eye. I’ll take the same strategy to Congress to be an advocate for my constituents and work with anyone to create a better future for Northern Virginians.

What To Know About June 28 Firehouse Primary

On June 28, the 11th Congressional District Democratic Committee is hosting an unassembled caucus to determine which of the 10 candidates in the race will represent the party on the special election ballot: Planning Commissioner Candice Bennett (D-At-Large), Ross Willian Branstetter IV, Dan Lee, Leo Martínez, Amy Papanu, State Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D-Centreville), Dr. Priya Punnoose, Amy Roma, Del. Irene Shin (D-Herndon) , or Supervisor James Walkinshaw (D-Braddock).

All registered voters in the 11th Congressional District may cast a ballot on Saturday, June 28, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 17 voting locations. Early voting will take place 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 24, 25 and 26 at the Fairfax County Government Center.

The caucus winner will represent the Democratic Party in the Sept. 9 special election to fill the vacant seat in Virginia's 11th Congressional District.

Related:

• Stella Pekarsky Won't Give Radical Republicans A Single Inch
• Democrat Dan Lee Prioritizes Medicare For All In 11th District Race
• Candidate Questionnaire: Democrat Amy Roma Seeks 11th District Congressional Seat
• Amy Papanu On Democratic Caucus Ballot For 11th District Congressional Seat
• Irene Shin Running In 11th District Congressional Race: Candidate Questionnaire
• Walkinshaw Runs In 11th Congressional District Race In Democratic Caucus
• Martínez On Democratic Caucus Ballot For 11th District Congressional Seat
• Democrats, GOP To Choose Candidates For 11th Congressional District Special Election
• 11th District Voters Will Cast Ballots In Special Election To Fill Congressional Seat
• Choosing Connolly's Successor In Congress: What To Know
• VA Congressman To Retire As Cancer Returns Following Treatment