Politics & Government
2 Candidates Join 3 Other NoVA Democrats Seeking Vacant Congressional Seat
Two more Democrats announced they were entering the race for the vacant congressional seat in Virginia's 11th District.
FAIRFAX, VA — Two Democrats announced on Thursday that they are entering Virginia’s 11th Congressional District race: Leo Martínez, a former Venezuelan congressman and longtime leader of Virginia Latino, and Joshua Aisen, a veteran and principal at BC2 Consulting LLC.
“I came to this country after defending democracy in Venezuela and facing political persecution simply for standing up for what’s right,” said Martínez, in a campaign release. “Now I’m running for Congress because those same values are under attack here at home. Donald Trump, Elon Musk and MAGA Republicans are threatening our freedoms, targeting immigrants and federal workers, enabling corruption, and trying to roll back our fundamental rights. I have the experience of fighting people like this before, and I won’t back down now.
Martínez and his family immigrated to the U.S. after Venezuela's authoritarian government seized his family's assets and threatened imprisonment. He also faced physical attacks and kidnapping attempts, according to his campaign website.
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Over the next 20 years, Martínez dedicated himself to public service and advocacy, serving on the University of Mary Washington Board, as well as running former Gov. Ralph Northam’s Small Business Legislative Committee. He also helped found the Latino Victory Fund and served as a member of the Democratic National Committee.
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“As a Latino immigrant, I know what it means to start all over again, and I’ll bring that lived experience to the fight for working families in Congress,” Martínez said. “VA-11 is one of the most diverse districts in the country. We deserve a representative who reflects that diversity and delivers for every community. We need a leader who won’t flinch, someone who’ll fight for democracy, good-paying jobs, healthcare, affordable housing, and real support for our veterans. And I’m ready for that fight.”
Candidate Joshua Aisen
Aisen served more than seven years in the U.S. Navy, acting as a foreign area officer starting in June 2016, according to his LinkedIn page. For two years, he also was the chief navy and space programs and chief training officer in the Office of Defense Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, Poland.
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“I swore an oath (several times) to support and defend the Constitution of the United States,” Aisen said, on his campaign website. “That oath didn't have an expiration date, and I couldn't live with myself if I sat this one out. I can confront the current 'unusual' situation with matching unusual talents and experience for this office.”
The Springfield resident said he was angry at the ineptitude of Democrats at the national level, allowing the country to be driven into an authoritarian ditch, according to a website post.
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“If we do not effectively combat this information war, every other Democratic policy priority becomes vanishingly unlikely. President Biden, working with Democratic Congress, delivered amazing policy victories during his term in office,” he said. “However, we did not fight the Information War, and that entire legacy is in the process of being swept away."
Martinez and Aisen join the three other Democrats who have announced their candidacies for the vacant 11th District seat: Supervisor James Walkinshaw (D-Braddock), State. Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D-Centreville), and Fairfax County Planning Commissioner Candice Bennett (D-At-Large).
Two Republicans have also entered the 2026 race: Michael Van Meter, who Connolly defeated in the 2024 election, and Nathan Headrick, a founding board member of the Apollo Diversified Real Estate Fund.
Special Election Date Not Set
Under the Code of Virginia, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin will need to issue a writ, calling for a special election.
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“Every special election shall be held on a Tuesday,” according to the Code of Virginia. “No special election shall be held within the 55 days prior to a general or primary election. No special election shall be held on the same day as a primary election. A special election may be held on the same day as a general election.”
The next general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4. The special election could take place on Nov. 4 or be held on a Tuesday 55 days before the general election.
Related: Republican Michael Van Meter Running For Congress In 11th District
"Federal law requires us to send absentee ballots to overseas and military voters no later than 45 days prior to an election,” said Cheryl Jones, deputy general registrar at the Fairfax County Office of Elections. “Likewise, the Code of Virginia requires domestic ballots to be mailed at the same time. Additionally, early in-person voting must begin the same day. Keep in mind that prior to those events, ballots must be created then approved by the Department of Elections and voting machines programmed and formal testing conducted.
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