Battle for Connolly's Seat: 8 Candidates Clash in VA Special Election

Paul Riverbank, 6/4/2025Eight candidates vie for late Rep. Connolly's seat in crucial Virginia special election.

I've covered VA-11 for years, and let me tell you – this district isn't just any slice of the D.C. suburbs. From the bustling corridors of Tysons Corner to the quiet neighborhoods of Reston, it's a unique blend of federal workers, tech professionals, and longtime Virginia families. Connolly understood this landscape intimately, serving eight terms while building bridges across party lines.

The field of candidates is getting crowded fast. James Walkinshaw, Connolly's former chief of staff, enters with a powerful endorsement from his late boss. "One of the best decisions I made," Connolly wrote before his passing – high praise from someone who knew the job's demands firsthand.

But here's where it gets interesting: six Democrats and two Republicans are already jockeying for position. State Senator Stella Pekarsky brings local government experience, while candidates like Navy veteran Joshua Aisen offer fresh perspectives. The July 11th filing deadline looms large.

Let's talk numbers for a moment. The House's razor-thin Republican majority (220-212) makes every special election crucial. Yet VA-11's Democratic lean suggests the real battle might be in the primary, not the general election. Still, special elections have a way of surprising us – just ask anyone who's watched voter turnout patterns in off-cycle races.

Connolly's influence extended well beyond district lines. His role as ranking member on the Oversight Committee (beating out AOC for the position) spoke volumes about his standing in Democratic circles. His successor will inherit not just a seat, but expectations shaped by decades of public service.

The compressed timeline adds another wrinkle. Campaign teams are scrambling to organize, donors are weighing their options, and voters will need to stay engaged during the late summer months – not typically prime time for political participation.

For those of us who've watched Virginia politics evolve, this race represents more than filling a vacancy. It's a moment that will test whether the district's political character remains consistent or signals shifting dynamics in suburban D.C. politics. The next few months should prove fascinating to watch.

The passing of Rep. Gerry Connolly last month left more than just an empty seat in Congress – it marked the end of an era for Northern Virginia politics. Now, as Governor Glenn Youngkin sets September 9th for the special election, the race to fill those shoes is already heating up in surprising ways.I've covered VA-11 for years, and let me tell you – this district isn't just any slice of the D.C. suburbs. From the bustling corridors of Tysons Corner to the quiet neighborhoods of Reston, it's a unique blend of federal workers, tech professionals, and longtime Virginia families. Connolly understood this landscape intimately, serving eight terms while building bridges across party lines.The field of candidates is getting crowded fast. James Walkinshaw, Connolly's former chief of staff, enters with a powerful endorsement from his late boss. "One of the best decisions I made," Connolly wrote before his passing – high praise from someone who knew the job's demands firsthand.But here's where it gets interesting: six Democrats and two Republicans are already jockeying for position. State Senator Stella Pekarsky brings local government experience, while candidates like Navy veteran Joshua Aisen offer fresh perspectives. The July 11th filing deadline looms large.Let's talk numbers for a moment. The House's razor-thin Republican majority (220-212) makes every special election crucial. Yet VA-11's Democratic lean suggests the real battle might be in the primary, not the general election. Still, special elections have a way of surprising us – just ask anyone who's watched voter turnout patterns in off-cycle races.Connolly's influence extended well beyond district lines. His role as ranking member on the Oversight Committee (beating out AOC for the position) spoke volumes about his standing in Democratic circles. His successor will inherit not just a seat, but expectations shaped by decades of public service.The compressed timeline adds another wrinkle. Campaign teams are scrambling to organize, donors are weighing their options, and voters will need to stay engaged during the late summer months – not typically prime time for political participation.For those of us who've watched Virginia politics evolve, this race represents more than filling a vacancy. It's a moment that will test whether the district's political character remains consistent or signals shifting dynamics in suburban D.C. politics. The next few months should prove fascinating to watch.