Connelly's former chief of staff launches bid for boss' House seat
Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw (D) launched his campaign for Virginia's 11th congressional district on Tuesday in a bid to replace his former boss, outgoing Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.).
Walkinshaw worked as Connolly's chief of staff for over ten years before serving as county supervisor. The announcement comes a week after Connolly announced he would not seek reelection in 2026 following the return of esophageal cancer.
'Congressman Connolly's impact on Fairfax, Virginia, and our nation is immeasurable, and his work has touched every corner of our community,' Walkinshaw said in a statement. 'To me, he is a dear friend and mentor who has made me a better person and public servant. There is no candidate who can replace Gerry Connolly. But I was by his side during the toughest fights, including during Trump's first term, and I'm ready to fight for Fairfax on day one.'
2024 Election Coverage
The heavily Democratic congressional district includes much of the Northern Virginia suburb of Fairfax County and Fairfax City. Former Vice President Kamala Harris won the district by 34 points in the 2024 presidential election, while Connolly won reelection by just over 33 points.
Walkinshaw said the U.S. is in a 'five-fire alarm moment for democracy and pledged to help Virginia Democrats running up and down the ballot in this year's off-year elections.
'Step one to stopping Trump is securing a big win for the Virginia Democratic ticket in 2025 and step two is taking back Congress in 2026,' he said. 'Our campaign this year will be focused on building capacity and supporting the incredible Democrats on the ballot in Virginia this November.'
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