Fairfax County voters will return to the polls this fall to choose a representative for the Virginia’s 11th Congressional District seat.
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued a writ of election today (Tuesday) scheduling a special election for Sept. 9 to fill the seat left vacant by Rep. Gerry Connolly’s death on May 21.
Candidates must file to enter the race by July 11. So far, 10 major party candidates have launched bids for the seat.
Among the top Democratic contenders are Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw, who received Connolly’s endorsement days before his death, and state Sen. Stella Pekarsky, who has earned numerous endorsements from members of the General Assembly.
Also seeking the Democratic nomination are Fairfax County Planning Commissioner Candice Bennett, former Naval officer Josh Aisen, former Venezuelan congressman Leopoldo Martinez and attorney Amy Roma.
Two more Democrats announced their candidacy today. Delegate Irene Shin, who represents the Herndon area in the 8th House District, is pitching her newly launched campaign as a bid for generational change.
“Either we elect people willing to fight like our democracy depends on it, or we resign ourselves to letting fascists win,” Shin said in her announcement.
We’re living through a moment in history that will have generational consequences for our democracy and our nation. And if you’re anything like me, you might believe it’s time to try something different.
— irene shin 🐰 (@ireneshintweets) June 3, 2025
Dan Lee, a native Fairfax County resident and the son of immigrants from South Korea, described his bid for the 11th district seat as an outsider’s challenge to the Democratic establishment.
A healthcare technology entrepreneur who also volunteers as an emergency medical technician in McLean, Lee has been a vocal advocate for healthcare reform based on his experience assisting patients with navigating Medicaid, Medicare and the insurance industry, according to a press release announcing his campaign.
He also served as a caregiver for his mother, who was a nurse but lacked health insurance until she became eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
“As congressional Republicans look to cut taxes on the wealthy, while cutting Medicare for millions of working families, Dan is running for Congress because Northern Virginia deserves a Democrat representing the people,” his campaign said in the press release.
On the Republican side, 2024 nominee Mike Van Meter was the first to enter the race. He is joined by Nathan Headrick, a banking executive from Great Falls.
Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, which covers much of Fairfax County, has long been a Democratic stronghold. Connolly was elected to a ninth term last November by a comfortable margin, just days before he announced that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
