Martínez​​ On Democratic Caucus Ballot For 11th District Congressional Seat

FAIRFAX, VA — Leo Martínez, who was born and raised in Venezuela, is running for Congress to defend democracy and expand opportunity, which he says are both are under attack.

"As someone who stood up to authoritarianism in Venezuela, I know what it looks like when democratic institutions start to erode," he said.

Martinez 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, also called a "firehouse primary," hosted by the the 11th Congressional District Democratic Committee, 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 Martinez's responses.

What is your name?

Leo Martínez

What will be your age on election day?

60 years old

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

38 years in international legal and business consulting practice. A decade in private equity and fiduciary services. Years in public service, Venezuela’s Congress, VA Small Business Commission, and Board of Mary Washington, and Biden Administration, all together, 15 years of experience.

What is the single issue that defines your candidacy?

I’m running for Congress to defend democracy and expand opportunity, because both are under attack. As someone who stood up to authoritarianism in Venezuela, I know what it looks like when democratic institutions start to erode. I came to this country to rebuild my life and raise my family in freedom, and I refuse to sit back while those same threats take root here.

In Virginia’s 11th District, people are working hard but struggling with rising costs, attacks on their healthcare, and policies that put special interests before communities. My campaign is grounded in the belief that everyone, no matter their background, deserves a fair shot. That means protecting our rights, fighting for affordable healthcare and housing, defending immigrant families and federal workers, and building an economy that works for all.

For me, democracy is personal. I’ve risked everything to defend it once before, and I’m ready to do it again. This campaign is about building a government that doesn’t just talk about freedom and opportunity, but actually delivers it for working people.

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

I bring a unique blend of lived experience, public service, and policy expertise to this race. I’m an international lawyer, a former congressman in Venezuela who stood up to authoritarianism, and a longtime community leader here in Northern Virginia. As a Democrat, I’ve spent the last two decades fighting for progressive causes, defending immigrant rights, and helping elect Democrats up and down the ballot.

In a moment when democracy and fundamental freedoms are on the line, we need a nominee who can speak with urgency, clarity, and credibility, not just in Washington, but in communities across this diverse district. I’ve lived the immigrant story. I’ve fought for democracy before, and I’m ready to do it again.

I also understand how to build coalitions, communicate across communities, and get results. That’s what it takes to win in November and to deliver for Virginians once in office.

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?

Donald Trump’s second term has made life harder for working families in the 11th District. Costs keep rising while Republicans attack programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security—the very support systems people rely on. They’re targeting immigrants, federal workers, reproductive freedom, and voting rights, threatening the foundation of our democracy. Mass firings and layoffs have hit our local economy hard, putting us at risk of a recession.

Under the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” 20,482 residents in VA-11 would lose their health insurance. Congress should be protecting access to care, not stripping it away from those who need it most.

Even in the minority, I won’t sit on the sidelines. I’ll use every platform—from hearings and media to grassroots organizing—to hold Republicans accountable and make clear what’s at stake. I’ll fight to protect immigrant families, defend federal workers from partisan attacks, and support policies that lower health care costs and expand coverage.

And I’ll help Democrats win back the majority by energizing our base, speaking to the values that unite us, and building coalitions that reflect the diversity and strength of Virginia’s 11th District.

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.

The 11th Congressional District seat has been vacant since incumbent U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11th) died of esophageal cancer on May 21.

Related:

• 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