Republican ​Karina Lipsman Running For Congress To Restore American Dream

FAIRFAX, VA — Karina Lipsman is running for Congress to restore the American Dream, which sees as slipping away for far too many families.

"As a former refugee who started with nothing, I know what this country can offer when freedom, hard work, and opportunity are protected," she said. "I’m running to fight back against the creeping government overreach, broken institutions, and career politicians who’ve forgotten what this country is about. My mission is simple: ensure every American has the same shot at success that I did."

Lipsman is one of seven Republicans 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 choose their candidate for the special election, Virginia's 11th Congressional District Republicans are holding a District Canvass on Saturday, June 28 at Fairfax High School. As part of its coverage of the 11th District race, Patch invited each of the candidates to respond to a short questionnaire. Here are Lipsman's responses.

What is your name?

Karina Lipsman

What will be your age on election day?

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

Head of Government Relations for the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation 2 years

What is the single issue that defines your candidacy?

I’m running for Congress to restore the American Dream, because I’ve lived it, and I see it slipping away for too many families. As a former refugee who started with nothing, I know what this country can offer when freedom, hard work, and opportunity are protected. I’m running to fight back against the creeping government overreach, broken institutions, and career politicians who’ve forgotten what this country is about. My mission is simple: ensure every American has the same shot at success that I did.

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

This is the best opportunity Republicans have had in VA-11 in over a decade. If we blow it now, we may not get another shot. Let’s be honest, this is a D+18 district. We won’t win by running the same losing playbook we’ve used for 15 years. This isn’t a republican-only district. We need a candidate who can expand the map and bring new voters into the fold.

I’m the only candidate in this race with the story, discipline, and experience to lead a winning campaign. I came to this country as a child from the Soviet Union, grew up in public housing, worked hard, and chose to become a Republican, not because it was easy, but because I believe in freedom, opportunity, and personal responsibility.

We need more than slogans, we need someone who gives voters a reason to say yes. Someone who reflects the community, connects with real people, can fight and win. That’s why I’m running.

How has the Trump Administration's policies impaced the 11th District so far and how would you advocate for your constituents?

Federal workforce reductions. Without a question. I understand these changes have caused real anxiety for families in our district, many of whom have built their careers in public service. I don’t take that lightly.

But let’s be clear: President Trump ran on cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. No one should be surprised that he’s delivering on that promise. I’ve spent most of my career in the private sector, when performance lags, tough decisions follow. Government should be no different. But we have to be smart about it.

What we’ve seen recently is that some of these cuts were done quickly and not always in the most targeted way. Mission-critical employees are already being called back. That’s a clear sign we need a better approach. We need smart, data-driven reductions, not cuts for cuts’ sake.

I believe we can pursue government efficiency without forgetting the people behind the jobs. As your representative, I’ll fight to ensure that reforms are targeted, thoughtful, and focused on performance. We can reduce bureaucracy while still respecting those who’ve dedicated their lives to public service.

We also need to recognize that the workforce is changing across the board, not just in government. It’s critical that we invest in retraining and upskilling to help workers everywhere, again not just federal workers, transition into high-demand fields like cybersecurity, AI, and digital service delivery.

What To Know About 11th District GOP Canvass

The 11th Congressional District of the Republican Party of Virginia will be hosting a District Canvass on Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run in Fairfax

Seven Republicans have declared their candidacy for the special election:

• Nathan Headrick
• Karina Lipsman
• Michael Van Meter
• Lucas Rand
• Sam Wong
• Stewart Whitson
• Arthur Purves

To be included in the canvass, candidates must pay a $3,480 filing fee and submit written copies of their statement of candidacy to the party's district chairman and secretary. These must be received no later than 12:01 p.m. on June 21.

The Republican canvass is open to all registered voters in the 11th District. However, canvass voters are required to be "in accord with the principles of the Republican Party." This will be verified by the Credentials Committee, either during pre-registration or on the day of the canvass.

The following are the voter qualifications for participation in the canvass:

"All legal and qualified voters of the 11th Congressional District under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, regardless of race, religion, national origin or sex, who are in accord with the principles of the Republican Party and who, if requested, express in open meeting either orally or in writing as may be required, their intent to support all of its nominees for public office in the ensuing election, may participate as members of the Republican Party of Virginia in its mass meetings, party canvasses, conventions or primaries encompassing their respective election districts."

In addition to the Republican and Democratic candidates, Chandra Tamirisa has also declared his candidacy in the 11th District race. He will face the winners of the Republican and Democratic primary events.