Walkinshaw Runs In 11th Congressional District Race In Democratic Caucus

FAIRFAX, VA — James Walkinshaw, who represents the Braddock District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, says that defending democracy is the defining issue of his campaign, because the futures of families across Fairfax and the nation are on the line.

Walkinshaw is one of nine 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.

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

As part of its coverage of the June 28 unassembled caucus, Patch invited each of the nine 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 Walkinshaw's responses.

What is your name?

James Walkinshaw

How old will you be on election day?

42

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

Fairfax County Supervisor, 5 years

What is the single issue that defines your candidacy?

Defending democracy is the defining issue of this campaign—because the futures of families across Fairfax and the nation are on the line. Donald Trump and his allies are threatening our freedoms, attacking the civil servants who serve our nation, and undermining the democratic institutions that hold our country together.

I spent more than a decade as Chief of Staff to Congressman Gerry Connolly, including during the first Trump Administration. I saw firsthand how dangerous that agenda is—and how important it is to have experienced leaders who won’t back down.

As a Fairfax County Supervisor, I’ve fought for affordable housing, quality schools, and climate solutions. When Trump's henchmen threatened to put me in prison for refusing to turn our local police into his mass deportation force, I didn't back down. I never will.

This moment demands someone who knows how to fight—and how to deliver. I’m running for Congress to stand up to Trump, deliver for Fairfax, and build a government and economy that works for us all.

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

I’m the only candidate with deep experience in Congress, a proven record in local government, and a history of standing up to Trump. I spent over a decade as Chief of Staff to Congressman Gerry Connolly, helping pass landmark legislation like the Affordable Care Act, protect the federal workforce, and secure critical investments for our region. As a Fairfax County Supervisor, I’ve taken on the NRA, expanded affordable housing, and fought to protect our climate and invest in public schools.

When our late-Congressman Connolly endorsed me, he said, "This is not a moment for on-the-job training. We need a strong representative, experienced in addressing national issues that affect our community, who can stand up to Trump and lead on day one. I believe James Walkinshaw is that leader."

I'm proud to have the endorsement of the late-Congressman Connolly, Congressman Don Beyer, former Congresswoman Wexton, and more than 40 federal, state, and local officials. I also have the endorsement of organizations representing federal employees, like the National Federation of Federal Employees. These leaders and organizations trust that I am prepared to fight for our community at this critical moment.

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?

Our community is under direct attack by the Trump Administration.

There are 80,000 federal workers in Fairfax and all have been impacted by the reckless actions of the Trump Administration. Many have lost their jobs, while others go to work each day knowing that they might be illegally fired at any time.

Immigrant communities are fearful of Trump's cruel and reckless mass deportation agenda and businesses are struggling to cope with the on-again-off-again tariffs imposed by the Administration.

Democrats in Congress have to be tougher and more strategic in standing up to the Trump Administration. I worked alongside Congressman Connolly while Democrats were in the minority and I know how to utilize the levers of power to slow and stop Trump. First, House Democrats must aggressively use House floor procedures to slow and block harmful legislation from proceeding. Next, we must launch new investigations into the corruption, incompetence, and law-breaking of the Administration. And finally, we need to mobilize our constituents and communities to speak out and protest the undemocratic actions of Trump and his cronies.

What To Know About Democratic Party Caucus

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.

The 11th Congressional District of the Republican Party of Virginia will be hosting a District Canvass on Saturday, June 28 to choose its special election candidate.