Candidate Questionnaire: Democrat Amy Roma Seeks 11th District Congressional Seat

FAIRFAX, VA — Amy Roma is running in the 11th District race because she brings a rare combination of legal expertise, policy depth, and crisis-tested leadership that’s urgently needed in Congress right now.

Roma 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 Roma's responses.

What is your name?

Amy Roma

What will be your age on election day?

46

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

I’m an attorney with over 20 years of experience working at the intersection of law, national security, and clean energy.

What is the single issue that defines your candidacy?

The defining issue of my candidacy is protecting our democratic institutions from political abuse and collapse. I’m running because Donald Trump and his allies are not just attacking policies — they’re targeting the rule of law, dismantling agency independence, and hollowing out the systems that keep our country functioning.

I’ve spent 20 years as a regulatory and national security lawyer working inside those systems—helping federal agencies deliver, safeguarding energy and technology infrastructure, and stepping in when others failed. I’ve testified before Congress, advised global leaders, and led legal efforts to protect families during Trump’s border separation policy.

This race isn’t theoretical to me. I know how our government works, where it breaks down, and how it’s being weaponized. I’m the only candidate in this race who can be a legal firewall against executive overreach from day one—writing smarter laws, restoring agency independence, and protecting the professionals who serve the public.

This is about more than resisting chaos. It’s about rebuilding trust, restoring function, and showing the American people that the government can still work—if we elect people who know how to make it work. That’s the leadership I’m offering—and the fight I’m ready to lead.

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

In a safely Democratic seat like VA-11, we have a responsibility to elect someone who won’t just vote the right way — but who can lead, govern, and deliver results at a time of national crisis. I’m running because I bring a rare combination of legal expertise, policy depth, and crisis-tested leadership that’s urgently needed in Congress right now.

I’ve spent two decades working at the intersection of national security, clean energy, and federal governance — helping agencies deliver on mission, advising global leaders, and stepping in where others fell short. I led high-risk evacuations from Kabul, delivered billions of pieces of PPE during COVID, and fought back against Trump’s family separation policy by leading a legal team to the southern border.

That experience isn’t just background—it’s exactly what this moment demands from our next member of Congress. I’m ready to be a legal firewall against authoritarian overreach, and a results-oriented voice for clean energy, economic resilience, and restoring trust in government.

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?

Trump’s second term is already hitting our community hard. VA-11 is home to thousands of federal workers and contractors, and his attacks on the civil service—loyalty tests, mass firings, politicizing agencies—are putting people’s livelihoods and our institutions at risk.

We’re also seeing the ripple effects of his agenda in other ways: rolling back clean energy investments, freezing critical safety regulations, and pushing policies that threaten Social Security, Medicare, and reproductive rights. These aren’t abstract issues – they affect families here every single day.

Even in the minority, I’ll fight relentlessly for this district. I know how these agencies work and how to push back when they’re being abused. I’ll use every tool available — oversight, legislation, partnerships — to defend the public servants who keep this country running and make sure the government works for the people it’s supposed to serve.

What To Know About 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:

• Amy Papanu On Democratic Caucus Ballot For 11th District Congressional Seat
• Irene Shin Running In 11th District Congressional Race: Candidate Questionnaire
• 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