Amy Papanu On Democratic Caucus Ballot For 11th District Congressional Seat

FAIRFAX, VA — Amy Papanu, a career federal employee with more than 28 years of, service, says President Trump and his attacks on the federal workforce and his destructive policies have wreaked havoc on the 11th Congressional District.

"I am running for Congress to defend the federal workforce and our democratic institutions because they are what make this country strong," she said. "Our national security and economic security are at great risk as Trump dismantles our federal agencies, cuts funding research, and threatens small businesses in the 11th District with unnecessary tariffs."

Papanu 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.

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 Papanu's responses.

What is your name?

Amy Papanu

What will be your age on election day?

50

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

I was a career federal employee with over 28 years of service—16 in the CIA as an Operations Officer, 7 in the U.S. State Department as a Foreign Service Officer, and 5 in the FBI as an Investigative Specialist.

What is the single issue that defines your candidacy?

President Trump and his attacks on our federal workforce and his destructive policies have wreaked havoc on our 11th District community. I am running for Congress to defend the federal workforce and our democratic institutions because they are what make this country strong. Our national security and economic security are at great risk as Trump dismantles our federal agencies, cuts funding research, and threatens small businesses in the 11th District with unnecessary tariffs. The wide scope of my federal agency experience and strong national security background is exactly what Congress needs right now to take on Trump and protect our federal workers and democracy.

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

As a former CIA Operations Officer, I am mission-focused and motivated. I have served in some of the most dangerous parts of the world and fought against terrorism, narcotics trafficking networks, and rogue nations. I have first-hand field experience including tours in Afghanistan and Iraq and served in leadership roles like the Chief of an overseas Station in Africa. Back in DC, I led covert action programs, served as a Chief of Staff, and worked private sector outreach to support CIA operations. I also have first-hand experience working in Congress when I served as a congressional fellow for the Assistant Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, where I closely monitored the breaking developments of the Russia-Ukraine war and worked on foreign and health policy issues. Additionally, I learned how to get hard things done in Congress when I worked in CIA’s congressional affairs office on high priority national security policy issues with the House and Senate intelligence oversight committees.

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?

The Trump administration's actions have already had a significant negative impact on 11th District constituents. Unemployment has steadily increased, and houses have been sitting on the market longer as federal employees and contractors are leaving the area. These cuts are not slowing down and our economic security is at risk. In the CIA, the party affiliation of my fellow officers didn’t matter, the only thing that mattered was accomplishing the mission--this is why I will work closely with Member colleagues and federal government leaders to stop the chaos and show from my experience how this decimation will impact the United States’ global competitive edge and national security in the long run. As the spouse of a combat veteran, I will be a fierce advocate for veterans. As a Fairfax County Small Business Commissioner, I will protect small businesses and fight Trump’s dangerous tariffs. Also, as the daughter of a union electrician who grew up in a working class family, I will support unions and help strengthen the middle class.

What To Know About June 28 Democratic Party Caucus

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).

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:

• Walkinshaw Runs In 11th Congressional District Race In Democratic Caucus
• Martínez On Democratic Caucus Ballot For 11th District Congressional Seat
• 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