Democrat James Walkinshaw wins US House special election in Virginia
[September 10, 2025]
By OLIVIA DIAZ
Democrat James Walkinshaw, a politician with experience working on
Capitol Hill, has won a special election to be the next U.S. House
representative of the Virginia district home to the state’s most
populous county.
Walkinshaw’s victory in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District helps
Democrats winnow Republicans’ narrow majority in the House and only adds
to the GOP’s spending battles this month ahead of a potential government
shutdown.
Walkinshaw, who has served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
since 2020, defeated Republican Stewart Whitson, an Army veteran and
former FBI agent.
Tuesday’s special election was set to fill the seat of U.S. Rep. Gerry
Connolly, who died of esophageal cancer in May. The outspoken Democrat
had sought key reforms in the federal government and was vocal about
President Donald Trump’s culling of the federal workforce, which
uniquely impacted his district filled with workers.
Standing beside Connolly's wife and daughter, Walkinshaw said at a
celebration event Tuesday that he was honored to be elected.
“Tonight, northern Virginians have sent a very powerful message: The
reckless Trump agenda must come to an end,” he said.
Walkinshaw previously served as Connolly’s chief of staff for more than
a decade and had received the representative’s endorsement before his
passing. He bested nine other candidates for the Democratic nomination
in June.
Ahead of the election, Democrats had spent about $2.3 million on
advertising in the 11th District race, whereas Republicans had spent $0,
according to AdImpact, which tracks campaign ad spending.
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Democratic candidate James Walkinshaw, who is running for the empty
11th congressional seat in Virginia, talks with reporters following
a news conference, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 in Fairfax, Va. Walkinshaw
will face Republican Stewart Whitson in a special election on Sept.
9 to fill Rep. Gerry Connolly's congressional seat in Fairfax County
(AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
On the trail, Walkinshaw vowed to fight attacks made by the White House,
particularly against federal workers.
“Our community needs a member of Congress committed to fighting anyone
who attacks our community and someone with a record of delivering
results,” Walkinshaw said at a July debate.
Whitson is a political newcomer who works at the Foundation for
Government Accountability, a D.C.-based conservative think tank. On the
campaign trail, he highlighted his military service and legislative
advocacy for conservative policies.
“I congratulate my opponent and extend my gratitude to every voter who
participated in this important election,” Whitson said in a statement.
Tuesday was not the only election in store for Virginia voters this
fall. In November, elections for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney
general and all 100 members of the House of Delegates will be on the
ballot.
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