Latest news with #JamesWalkinshaw
Fox News
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Dead congressman's social media accounts resurrected to boost former chief of staff's congressional bid
Before passing away last month, Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., endorsed Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw, his former chief of staff, to succeed him in Congress — but more than a month after Connolly's death, posts on social media accounts for the late lawmaker were fired back up to promote Walkinson's congressional bid. "Early voting starts TODAY in VA-11! Before passing, Gerry endorsed @JamesWalkinshaw to carry the torch. Let's honor that legacy and vote for bold leadership that'll fight for us every day," a Tuesday post on the @ElectConnolly X account declared, sharing link to a page on Walkinshaw's campaign website as well as a picture of the two men together. The bio section of the X account notes that the congressman died on May 21 and explains that "All posts made with the consent of the Connolly family." The account features a link to which also highlights Connolly's support for Walkinshaw's bid. A post backing Walksinshaw also appeared on a Facebook page that is labeled as Connolly's campaign page. "Early voting starts TODAY in VA-11! This is our first chance to stand up for our workers, our schools, our democracy, and everything Gerry fought for. Before his passing, Gerry endorsed James Walkinshaw to carry on that legacy because he knew James would never stop fighting for us. Make your plan to vote early and bring a friend. Every vote matters," the post declares, providing a link to a page on Walkinshaw's campaign site. The special election to fill the seat in Virginia's 11th Congressional District is scheduled for Sept. 9, while the related Democratic nominating contest — an "unassembled caucus" — is taking place this week. Prior to the posts on Tuesday promoting Walkinshaw's bid, the latest posts shared on the two social media accounts had been a Connolly Family statement announcing the death of the lawmaker on May 21. Shortly after winning re-election in November, Connolly announced that he had esophageal cancer, noting, "A few days ago, I learned I joined the ranks of millions of Americans. I have cancer of the esophagus. It was a surprise because, except for some intermittent abdominal aches and pains, I had no symptoms." Then in late April, he announced that following "grueling treatments, we've learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned," noting that it would be his final term in office. The lawmaker had served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2009.
The Hill
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Deceased lawmaker's social media urges support for former aide in Virginia special election
Social media accounts for the late Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) urged Democrats to vote for his former chief of staff James Walkinshaw in the party's upcoming special election, in posts on Tuesday. 'Early voting starts TODAY in VA-11! This is our first chance to stand up for our workers, our schools, our democracy, and everything Gerry fought for. Before his passing, Gerry endorsed James Walkinshaw to carry on that legacy because he knew James would never stop fighting for us. Make your plan and vote early and bring a friend. Every vote matters,' the post on Connolly's Facebook page reads. The post on X was an abbreviated version of the Facebook post. Both of the posts, which were from Connolly's campaign accounts, included the same photo of Connolly and Walkinshaw. Connolly died last month after a short battle with cancer. The posts come ahead of the special Democratic primary for Connolly's former district, which will be held Saturday. Walkinshaw is one of several Democrats vying to replace Connolly. The party's other contenders include Del. Irene Shin (D), state Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D), Fairfax County planning commissioner Candice Bennett, among others. Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has set the special general election for the seat for Sept. 9. 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 more than 33 points.
Washington Post
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Rep. Gerry Connolly will back former aide to succeed him in Congress
Next year's Democratic primary election contest to replace Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Virginia) in Congress kicked off Tuesday when Fairfax County Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw became the first candidate to announce a bid — with Connolly himself seeking to clear a path for his former chief of staff with an early endorsement.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New bill targets illegal 'street takeovers,' 'exhibition driving' in Virginia
The Brief A bill targeting "street takeovers" and "exhibition driving" now awaits Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin's signature. Drivers could face stiffer penalties for stunt driving, burnouts, donuts, racing, and more. The legislation was a "top priority" for Fairfax County. VIRGINIA - Virginia lawmakers are cracking down on dangerous driving. Legislation that takes aim at racing, burnouts, donuts, and more is now headed to the governor's desk. The backstory There's been a recent surge in "street takeovers" and exhibition driving in the Commonwealth, according to Virginia lawmakers. In one incident last March, Fairfax County police officers were surrounded by a large group of people while attempting to break up one such gathering in Springfield. On another occasion in November, video of a Tesla Cybertruck racing a Lamborghini in Tysons went viral. The new legislation, House Bill 2036, expands Virginia's definition of reckless driving and allows for suspended licenses and impounded vehicles. What they're saying Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw advocated for the bill and called it "one of Fairfax County's top priorities this year in Richmond." Walkinshaw added, "I think it's gonna send a strong message that this kind of activity, these street takeovers, parking lot takeovers, exhibition driving, have no place in Fairfax County and in the Commonwealth of Virginia." Dig deeper Virginia isn't the only state cracking down on dangerous driving. Maryland passed a similar law last year. The Source HB2036, Supervisor James Walkinshaw, Fairfax County Police
