The political landscape of Virginia is set to witness a significant shift with the upcoming special election aimed at filling the void left by the late Rep. Gerry Connolly, who represented Virginia’s 11th district for an impressive 16 years before his passing in May due to cancer. Democratic officials recently declared Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw as their candidate for this pivotal election, a decision solidified following a party-run primary that underscored his support within the party ranks.
Walkinshaw, who has a profound connection to Connolly having served as his chief of staff for over a decade, is now poised to take on Republican candidate Stewart Whitson. Whitson emerged victorious from a parallel party-run nominating process that occurred on the same day. The juxtaposition of these two candidates illustrates the varying political ideologies at play, with Walkinshaw representing the Democratic values that Connolly championed throughout his storied career.
The date for the special election is set for September 9, and Walkinshaw is positioned as the frontrunner. This suggests a strong likelihood that the Democrats will retain control of the seat, particularly since Vice President Kamala Harris carried the district by an impressive 34-point margin during the 2024 elections. Connolly had a steadfast hold on the position since his inaugural election in 2008, reflecting the district’s historical lean toward the Democratic Party.
With a significant experience background, Walkinshaw has served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors since January 2020, where he chairs the board’s legislative committee. His tenure has equipped him with an understanding of legislative processes and civic engagement, making him a qualified candidate for the congressional seat. Emotionally endorsing Walkinshaw before his death, Connolly remarked that appointing him as chief of staff was “one of the best decisions I ever made.” His approval holds substantial weight within the district and is likely to influence undecided voters.
Connolly’s endorsement was particularly poignant as it highlighted the critical issues facing the constituents of the 11th district. “We need a strong representative, experienced in addressing national issues that affect our community, who can stand up to Trump and lead from day one. I believe James Walkinshaw is that leader,” Connolly wrote, pressing upon the urgency for leadership that resonates with voters’ needs during these contentious political times.
On the opposing side, Stewart Whitson, an Army veteran and a former FBI agent currently involved in federal affairs at a conservative think tank, aims to sway voters seeking a change in the political narrative. His military background and government experience could appeal to a faction of voters who prioritize security and conservative values, presenting a distinct contrast to Walkinshaw’s Democratic approach.
The primary election saw competitive spending on advertisements, with Walkinshaw and supportive allied groups leading the charge in order to establish a stronger presence among voters. Pro-Walkinshaw campaigners accounted for more than 50% of the total advertising expenditure, reportedly amounting to around $2 million. Noteworthy among these supporting organizations was a liberal super PAC named “Protect Progress,” which notably contributed nearly $1 million aimed at amplifying Walkinshaw’s candidacy and spotlighting his affiliation with Connolly, thereby reinforcing his political legacy.
This special election provides a critical opportunity for the voters in Virginia’s 11th district to decide on the future direction of their representation. As the September 9 deadline approaches, both candidates are likely to intensify their campaigns, seeking to connect with voters on pressing national and local issues, and ultimately, determining who will succeed the influential Gerry Connolly. The choices made during this electoral event may reverberate beyond the district, affecting broader electoral dynamics as the nation gears up for future political contests.
