Democrats nominate special election candidate following death of Rep. Gerry Connolly

Longtime Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly made headlines earlier this year by announcing that he was resigning from Congress just weeks before he passed away.

On Saturday, Democrats nominated the Army veteran and former FBI agent who is widely expected to take Connolly’s congressional seat. 

James Walkinshaw credits “supporters who believe in protecting our democracy

According to the Associated Press, James Walkinshaw is a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and previously served in Connolly’s office as chief of staff.

He received an endorsement from the late lawmaker and rose to victory in this past weekend’s “firehouse primary” over 9 other Democrats.

“I’m honored and humbled to have earned the Democratic nomination for the district I’ve spent my career serving,” he said in a statement posted to social media.

I’m honored & humbled to have earned the Democratic nomination for the district I’ve spent my career serving. This victory was powered by neighbors, volunteers, and supporters who believe in protecting our democracy, defending our freedoms, and delivering for working families. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/nDByFMahrs

— James Walkinshaw (@JamesWalkinshaw) June 29, 2025

“This victory was powered by neighbors, volunteers, and supporters who believe in protecting our democracy, defending our freedoms, and delivering for working families,” he added.

GOP nominee faces an uphill battle in district that leans heavily Democratic

Walkinshaw is now set to square off in a special election that has been scheduled for September 9 against Republican nominee Stewart Whitson, who put out a statement of his own.

“With President Trump back in office he’s taking bold and aggressive action to get the country back on track,” the Associated Press quoted Whitson as saying.

“But he needs strong allies in Congress who will help him fix the economy, protect our families, and restore common sense,” the candidate stressed.

The Associated Press noted how Democrats enjoy a sizable advantage in Virginia’s 11th Congressional, with Connolly winning over 66% of the vote there last year.

Connolly died shortly after announcing that his esophageal cancer had returned

Connolly’s death came in May, not long after he revealed that his battle against esophageal cancer had taken a turn for the worse.

“After grueling treatments, we’ve learned that my cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned,” Connolly’s statement read.

“With no rancor and a full heart, I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we’ve accomplished together over 30 years,” the veteran Democratic lawmaker went on to assert.

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