A Fairfax County planning commissioner is the latest candidate seeking to replace retiring Rep. Gerry Connolly.
Candice Bennett, who has served on the commission since 2020, announced Thursday (May 15) that she will campaign for the Democratic nomination for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, which includes most of Fairfax County.
“We need a representative who is prepared from day one to fight back against the attacks on our democracy, our Constitution, and our way of life,” Bennett said.
Touting her experience as a nonprofit housing executive and a small business owner, Bennett argues that her recent real-life experience makes her an appealing candidate for the seat — even if she is a political newbie.
“That’s why I’m stepping up—to bring a fresh perspective rooted in real-world experience,” Bennett said, “and to make sure the concerns of every resident in the 11th District are heard loud and clear in Washington.”
A Lorton resident, Bennett has served as deputy executive director of Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services — a non-profit focusing on creating “affordable housing solutions” — since 2022.
Bennett has worked with the organization since 2015. In 2017, she was appointed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe to Virginia’s Fair Housing Board, where she served until 2023.
Since 2003, Bennett has also run her eponymous market research firm Candice Bennett & Associates.
“I have spent my career delivering results—whether helping to build affordable housing, protecting fair housing rights, serving on the Planning Commission, or advocating for improved traffic safety in my community,” Bennett said. “And I am ready to bring that same relentless determination to Congress.”
Bennett is the third declared Democrat running for the seat. Connolly, a ninth-term incumbent, will not run for reelection, citing a reemergence of esophageal cancer.
As of today (Monday), the field of those vying for the Democratic nomination also includes Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw and state Sen. Stella Pekarsky.
Unless Connolly were to vacate his Congressional seat before the end of his term, primary elections in the race are expected to be held around a year from now. No date has been formally set.
