Stella Pekarsky Won't Give Radical Republicans A Single Inch: 11th District Candidate Profile

FAIRFAX, VA — State. Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D-Centreville) is running in the 11th District race because of her deep care for the community, which is being torn apart by President Donald Trump.

"I am running for Congress because attacks on our federal workers, attacks on women’s rights, attacks on our immigrant communities, and attacks on social security and medicaid put the future of the 11th District in jeopardy," she said. "The next generation of leaders in Congress must exhaust every resource and try every strategy to stand up to bullies like Trump. I do not just talk about fighting again MAGA extremism, I have done so already as both Chair of the Fairfax County School Board and VA State Senator. If I am elected, I will do everything in my power to not give radical Republicans a single inch."

Pekarsky is one of 10 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 10 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 Pekarsky's responses.

What is your name?

Stella Pekarsky

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

Former educator and business owner

What is the single issue that defines your candidacy?

The issue that most defines my candidacy is my deep care for our community that is being torn apart by Donald Trump. I am running for Congress because attacks on our federal workers, attacks on women’s rights, attacks on our immigrant communities, and attacks on social security and medicaid put the future of the 11th District in jeopardy. The next generation of leaders in Congress must exhaust every resource and try every strategy to stand up to bullies like Trump. I do not just talk about fighting again MAGA extremism, I have done so already as both Chair of the Fairfax County School Board and VA State Senator. If I am elected, I will do everything in my power to not give radical Republicans a single inch.

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

I grew up in a working-class Greek immigrant family. While my parents struggled to make ends meet, they instilled in me the value of public education. This inspired me to begin my career as a public school teacher. I never expected to run for office, but when my community called, I stepped up to serve on the School Board and in the State Senate. I have a proven record of fighting for progressive values and getting things done on both the state and local levels. I have strong legislative achievements including major bills on consumer protection, increasing healthcare transparency, and expanding access to telehealth services. I was proud to deliver record funding for our schools and to vote to enshrine reproductive freedom in the Virginia Constitution. We need a member of Congress who knows our community and has experience serving as a legislator. I took on Youngkin, and now I am ready to take on Trump.

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?

There are very few places in this country that will be negatively impacted by the current Trump Administration as much as CD-11. The cuts to our federal workforce have already left thousands across the district unemployed and many more worrying for their family’s future. The dismantling of the Department of Education puts our public education system at risk. There are ICE agents showing up in our community, kidnapping people off the street, and ignoring due process. There are those wondering if the social security and medicaid benefits that keep them afloat will soon be cut off with little warning. I recognize the difficulty of addressing these issues while serving in the minority. While we work to take back the Democratic majority in 2026, I would focus on serving my constituents by forming coalitions and working across the aisle when necessary to get things while also standing up and being a loud voice for our community when Republicans cross the line.

What To Know About June 28 Firehouse Primary

On June 28, the 11th Congressional District Democratic Committee is hosting an unassembled caucus to determine which of the 10 candidates in the race will represent the party on the special election ballot: Planning Commissioner Candice Bennett (D-At-Large), Dan Lee, Leo Martínez, Amy Papanu, State Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D-Centreville), Dr. Priya Punnoose, 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.

Related:

• Democrat Dan Lee Prioritizes Medicare For All In 11th District Race
• Candidate Questionnaire: Democrat Amy Roma Seeks 11th District Congressional Seat
• 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