Democratic Candidate In 11th Congressional District Race Endorsed By Fairfax Co. Leaders

FAIRFAX, VA — Supervisor James Walkinshaw’s (D-Braddock) campaign to succeed outgoing U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11th) in Congress received the endorsement of all eight other Democrats on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Monday.

“In every role he’s held, James Walkinshaw has kept his focus where it belongs: on the people of Fairfax County,” said Chairman Jeff McKay (D-At-Large). “As a colleague and a friend, he’s someone the Board of Supervisors — and more importantly, our residents — can always count on to deliver for our community. In this five-alarm moment for our democracy, he’s the best-prepared candidate to take on Trump’s agenda and get to work on day one. I’m proud to support him.”

McKay was joined by Vice-Chairman Kathy L. Smith (D-Sully) and Supervisors James Bierman (D-Dranesville), Rodney Lusk (D-Franconia), Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill), Andres Jimenez (D-Mason), Daniel Storck (D-Mount Vernon), and Dalia Palchik (D-Providence) in announcing their endorsement for Walkinshaw.

Also See: Fairfax County Supervisor To Run For Connolly's Seat In Congress

“It’s an honor to work alongside these dedicated public servants on the Board of Supervisors,” said Walkinshaw. “Together, we’ve stood up to Trump’s reckless agenda, protected our values, and delivered progress for Fairfax families. I’m proud to have their support, and I’m ready to carry that work forward in Congress starting on Day One.”

Walkinshaw has also been endorsed by Connolly, as well as former U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (VA-10th). Scroll down to see a full list of current and former elected officials supporting Walkinshaw.

Supervisor Pat Herrifty (R-Springfield), who withdrew from the Virginia lieutenant governor’s race on April 22 due to health reasons, was the sole board member not to come out in support of Walkinshaw.

On April 28, Connolly announced he would not seek reelection because of a return of the cancer he has been fighting. Last November, Connolly revealed that he'd been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and was receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment.

Also See: VA Congressman To Retire As Cancer Returns Following Treatment

Walkinshaw was the first candidate to announce he was running for Connolly’s seat in the 11th Congressional District race. Three other candidates — two Democrats and one Republican — have also entered the race.

State. Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D-Centreville) announced on May 7 that she was running for the 11th Congressional District race.

On May 12, Republican Michael Van Meter threw his hat into the ring. Despite losing to Connolly in the 2024 race, Van Meter said he garnered more votes than any other opponent vying for the 11th District since 2008.

On Thursday, Democrat Candice Bennett, a resident of Lorton and an at-large member of the Fairfax County Planning Commission, announced she also would be seeking Connolly’s seat in the 2026 election.

Also See: 2nd Democrat Announces Bid To Seek Connolly's Seat In Congress

“As a Fairfax County Planning Commissioner, affordable housing leader, small business owner, and longtime resident, I’ve spent over 20 years working to strengthen our community — creating opportunities, expanding affordable housing, and standing up for working families,” said Bennett, a Democrat. “Now, with our democracy, rights, and economic security under attack, I’m stepping up to deliver bold, principled leadership in Washington.”

Walkinshaw Endorsements To Date

Federal

• Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11)
• Former Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (VA-10)

State

• Former Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn (HD-41)
• State Senator Jennifer Boysko (SD-38)
• Delegate David Bulova (HD-11)
• Delegate Briana Sewell (HD-25)
• Delegate Rip Sullivan (HD-6)

Local

• Fairfax County Chairman Jeff McKay
• Supervisor Jimmy Bierman (Dranesville District)
• Supervisor Rodney Lusk (Franconia District)
• Supervisor Walter Alcorn (Hunter Mill District)
• Supervisor Andres Jimenez (Mason District)
• Supervisor Dan Storck (Mount Vernon District)
• Supervisor Dalia Palchik (Providence District)
• Supervisor Kathy Smith (Sully District)
• City of Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read
• Former City of Fairfax Mayor David Meyer
• City of Fairfax Councilmember Billy Bates
• City of Fairfax Councilmember Stacey Hardy-Chandler
• Former City of Fairfax Councilmember Joseph Harmon
• Former City of Fairfax Councilmember So Lim
• Former City of Fairfax Councilmember Janice Miller
• Former City of Fairfax Councilmember Tom Ross

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