Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) announced Tuesday that the special election to replace the late Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) in the state’s 11th Congressional District will be held Sept. 9.
Connolly died last month after a short battle with cancer. He had represented the district since 2009. In April, Connolly announced he would not seek reelection in 2026 and endorsed his former chief of staff, Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw, for the seat in May.
“James brings unmatched experience, a depth of knowledge about federal issues, and a steadfast commitment to progressive values,” Connolly wrote in a letter backing Walkinshaw. “When I took office in 2009, appointing him Chief of Staff was one of the best decisions I made.”
The Northern Virginia congressional district, which includes all of the city of Fairfax and most of Fairfax County, leans heavily Democratic. However, several Democrats have launched bids for the seat, including Walkinshaw, state Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D), state Del. Irene Shin (D), Fairfax County planning commissioner Candice Bennett, retired Navy officer Joshua Aisen, attorney Amy Roma, and attorney Leo Martinez.
Candidates have until July 11 to file to run for the seat.
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