Former Gerry Connolly aide wins Democratic primary in bid to replace him in US House seat from Virginia

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"James Walkinshaw Secures Democratic Nomination for Special Election in Virginia's 11th District"

Former Gerry Connolly aide wins Democratic primary in bid to replace him in US House seat from Virginia analysis cover image CNN 8.4
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Original Article Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/29/politics/james-walkinshaw-virginia-democratic-primary-gerry-connolly
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Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw has emerged as the Democratic nominee for the special election to fill the vacancy left by the late Rep. Gerry Connolly in Virginia's 11th congressional district. This nomination was confirmed by district party officials following a party-run primary held on Saturday. Walkinshaw, who served as Connolly's chief of staff for over a decade, received Connolly's endorsement shortly after the congressman announced he would not seek reelection due to his battle with cancer. The upcoming election is scheduled for September 9, and Walkinshaw will face off against Republican Stewart Whitson, who also won his party's nomination during the same event. Given the Democratic stronghold in the district, where President Kamala Harris won by a significant margin in the 2024 election, Walkinshaw is considered the frontrunner in this contest. Connolly had held the seat since 2008, making the transition to a new representative particularly significant for local voters.

Walkinshaw's political experience extends beyond his tenure as chief of staff; he has been a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors since January 2020, where he chairs the legislative committee. Connolly praised Walkinshaw's leadership capabilities, emphasizing the need for a representative who is experienced in national issues and capable of standing up to political challenges. On the opposing side, Whitson brings his background as an Army veteran and former FBI agent to the race, currently working in federal affairs at a conservative think tank. The primary saw substantial advertising support for Walkinshaw, with over half of the total ad spending—approximately $2 million—dedicated to his campaign. A liberal super PAC, 'Protect Progress,' played a significant role in this effort, investing nearly $1 million to enhance Walkinshaw's visibility and highlight his connection to Connolly. As the special election approaches, Walkinshaw's established political connections and support from local party officials position him as a strong candidate in the race for Virginia's 11th district seat.

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Source URL: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/29/politics/james-walkinshaw-virginia-democratic-primary-gerry-connolly

Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw will be the Democratic nominee in the upcoming special election to replace the late Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly, district party officials announced Saturday after a party-run primary.

Walkinshaw will face Republican Stewart Whitson, who also won a party-run nominating event Saturday.

Connolly had represented Virginia’s 11th district in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. for 16 years before he died of cancer in May. HeendorsedWalkinshaw, who served as his chief of staff for more than a decade, shortly after he announced he wouldn’t be seeking reelection.

The special election to fill Connolly’s seat will be held on Sept. 9. Walkinshaw will be heavily favored as Democratic Kamala Harris won the district by 34 points in the 2024. Connolly comfortably held the seat since his first election in 2008.

Walkinshaw has served on the board of supervisors since January 2020, where he also chairs the board’s legislative committee.

In his endorsement, Connelly had called appointing Walkinshaw chief of staff was “one of the best decisions I ever made.”

“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.

Whitson is an Army veteran and former FBI agent who works in federal affairs at a conservative think tank.

Walkinshaw and a collection of allied outside groups dominated spending on advertisements for the primary, helping him stand out in the crowded field. Pro-Walkinshaw advertisers accounted for more than half of the total ad spending for the race, about $2 million, according to the ad tracking firm AdImpact.

Just one of those groups, a liberal super PAC called “Protect Progress,” spent nearly $1 million on ads boosting Walkinshaw’s campaign and touting his connections to Connolly.

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Source: CNN