Process Of Filling 11th District Congressional Seat After Connolly's Death Outlined

FAIRFAX, VA — As family members, elected officials, and constituents in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District mourn the death of U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D) on Wednesday, two political questions loom: Who will be Connolly’s successor in Congress, and when will that person be chosen?

Since the eight-term congressman’s April 28 announcement that he would not seek re-election in 2026 because his cancer had returned, three Democrats and one Republican have declared themselves candidates for the 11th District seat. They are:

• Supervisor James Walkinshaw (D-Braddock)
• State Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D-Centreville)
• Planning Commissioner Candice Bennett (D-At-Large)
• Republican Michael Van Meter

Despite losing to Connolly in the 2024 race, Van Meter said he garnered more votes than any other opponent vying for the 11th District seat since 2008.

The nonprofit Virginia Public Access Project describes the 11th District as “Strong Democratic.” That, along with Connolly representing the Fairfax area in Congress since 2012, means the Democrats likely have the edge in this race.

Walkinshaw received Connolly’s endorsement, as well that of many other current and former elected officials, including the other eight Democrats on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Alexandria), and Sheriff Stacey Kincaid.

When Will The Special Election Take Place?

In Virginia, the governor does not have the power to appoint someone to fill a vacant seat in one of the state’s 11 congressional districts, according to the Code of Virginia. However, when a vacancy occurs, the governor “shall issue a writ of election to fill the vacancy.” Once the governor has been notified of the vacancy, the governor “may immediately issue a writ to call the election.”

As for when the election will occur, the Code of Virginia says:

“Notwithstanding any charter or special act to the contrary, the following provisions govern the times for holding special elections. Every special election shall be held on a Tuesday. 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.

"The governor may choose any Tuesday for a special election to fill a vacancy for federal office (outside of the 55-day limit you stated), " said Cheryl Jones, deputy general registrar at the Fairfax County Office of Elections. "However, a special election cannot be called for June 24 is because federal law requires us to send absentee ballots to overseas and military voters no later than 45 days prior to an election. 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."

• VA Congressman To Retire As Cancer Returns Following Treatment
• Fairfax County Supervisor To Run For Connolly's Seat In Congress
• 2nd Democrat Announces Bid To Seek Connolly's Seat In Congress
• Republican Michael Van Meter Running For Congress In 11th District
• Fairfax Leaders Endorse Democrat In Race To Succeed U.S. Rep. Connolly

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly," Gov. Glenn Younkin said, in an X post on Wednesday. "His decades of public service reflect a deep commitment to Virginia. Suzanne and I send our heartfelt prayers to his family, friends, and all who mourn his loss."

On Friday, Youngkin issued an executive order directing flags to be lowered at sunrise on Tuesday, May 27, and remain at half-staff until sunset.

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