So Lim Running In 11th District Delegate Race: Democratic Primary

FAIRFAX, VA — Affordability and the growing gap between what Northern Virginia sends to Richmond and what we get back are the most pressing issues facing the 11th District, according to So Lim, one of the five candidates seeking to be the Democratic Party's candidate in the Jan. 13, 2026 special election.

"Northern Virginia residents pay billions in state taxes every year, yet too often those dollars don’t return to support our local economy, housing needs, schools, or infrastructure," Lim said. "That imbalance is squeezing families, seniors, and young people who want to stay in the community they grew up in."

Lim is facing Douglas Shuster, Vanessa Cárdenas, Gretchen Bulova, and Denver Supinger in Tuesday's firehouse primary, hoping to be their party's candidate on the Jan. 13 ballot in the 11th District House of Delegates race.

How To Vote: 11th District Democrats Host Primary In House Of Delegates Race

The 11th District seat became vacant when David Bulova stepped down to become Governor-Elect Abigail Spanberger's nominee as the next Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources.

Patch reached out to all five candidates running in Tuesday's primary, asking them to answer a few questions to help voters learn more about them. The following are Lim's responses to Patch's candidate questionnaire. Scroll down to view the other candidates' responses.

What is your name?

So Lim

What will be your age on election day?

61

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

Business Owner of an Insurance Agency

What is the single issue that defines your candidacy? (200 Word Limit)

The single issue that defines my candidacy is experienced, results-driven leadership that delivers for constituents.

I am the only candidate in this race who has served multiple terms as an elected official, representing residents, responding to constituent needs, and making real decisions that affect people’s daily lives. On Fairfax City Council, I didn’t just debate policy — I listened to residents, worked through disagreements, and delivered solutions that balanced community priorities, fiscal responsibility, and long-term growth.

I also bring 35 years of experience as a small business owner, where meeting payroll, complying with regulations, managing rising costs, and planning for uncertainty are not theories — they are daily realities. That experience shapes how I approach legislation: practical, responsible, and focused on outcomes, not slogans.

In addition, as President of the Korean American Association of the Washington Metro Area, I represented more than 90,000 residents across the region. That role required coalition-building, crisis management, and navigating government at every level to advocate for diverse communities.
Together, these experiences define my candidacy. I understand government from the inside, business from the ground up, and community leadership from lived experience. I know how to listen, how to deliver, and how to get results for the

What makes you the best candidate to represent the Democratic Party in the Jan. 13 special election? (200 Word Limit)

I am the best candidate to represent the Democratic Party because I combine proven experience, trusted leadership, and the ability to deliver results in a diverse, competitive district.
I’ve served three terms on the Fairfax City Council, where I worked across differences to solve real problems for residents. I’m also a woman-owned small business owner of 35 years, giving me firsthand understanding of economic pressures facing working families and entrepreneurs.
As a civic leader and former President of the Korean American Association of the Washington Metro Area, I built bridges across communities and helped turn cultural diversity into economic opportunity—through initiatives like the Asian Festival on Main and the international KORUS Festival, which supported local businesses and job creation.

Democrats win when we expand participation, defend working people, protect public education, and stand up for fundamental rights. I have a record of doing exactly that—calmly, competently, and with integrity.

In a short, high-stakes special election, experience matters. Trust matters. Results matter. I am ready from Day One to represent Democratic values and deliver for House District 11.

The single most pressing issue facing the 11th District is and this is what I intend to do about it? (200 Word Limit)

The single most pressing issue facing the 11th District is affordability—and the growing gap between what Northern Virginia sends to Richmond and what we get back.

Northern Virginia residents pay billions in state taxes every year, yet too often those dollars don’t return to support our local economy, housing needs, schools, or infrastructure. That imbalance is squeezing families, seniors, and young people who want to stay in the community they grew up in.

As Delegate, I will fight to ensure Northern Virginia gets its fair share back. That means pushing for state investments in affordable and workforce housing, prioritizing funding for transit-oriented development, and protecting renters from price gouging. It means advocating for smart zoning decisions that respect local control while expanding housing supply near transit and job centers.
I’ve done this work before—on City Council and as a regional civic leader—building coalitions to bring resources back home. Richmond needs representatives who understand that a strong Virginia depends on a strong Northern Virginia, not one that is perpetually asked to subsidize the rest of the state.

We pay our fair share. We deserve our fair share back—and I’ll put in the work to make that happen.

Also See ...

• Gretchen Bulova Running In 11th District Delegate Race: Democratic Primary
• Denver Supinger Running In 11th District Delegate Race: Democratic Primary
• Vanessa Cárdenas Running In 11th District Delegate Race: Democratic Primary
• Douglas Shuster Running In 11th District Delegate Race: Democratic Primary