Democrat James Walkinshaw wins US House special election in Virginia

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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.

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.