Democrat James Walkinshaw has won the special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, securing the seat vacated by the late Rep. Gerry Connolly. Walkinshaw, a Fairfax County supervisor and longtime aide to Connolly, defeated Republican Stewart Whitson in the heavily Democratic district located in the Washington, D.C. suburbs.
According to official results, Walkinshaw captured nearly 75 percent of the vote compared to Whitson’s 25 percent. The lopsided outcome reflects the district’s strong Democratic lean but also highlighted how national issues—particularly President Trump’s federal workforce reductions—shaped the campaign. Many voters in the district are directly tied to government employment, and Walkinshaw focused his message on protecting jobs and opposing Trump’s restructuring initiatives.
Republican Stewart Whitson, a former federal attorney, attempted to rally conservative voters by framing Trump’s cuts as necessary to rein in government spending. However, his campaign struggled to gain traction in a region where Democrats have consistently dominated recent elections. Connolly, who passed away earlier this year, had won reelection with more than two-thirds of the vote in 2022.
The Democratic victory further narrows the already slim Republican majority in the House. With ongoing debates over federal spending and budget cuts, the outcome gives Democrats added leverage heading into the fall legislative session. It also underscores the challenges Republicans face in suburban districts where federal employment is a dominant issue.
Walkinshaw’s campaign emphasized stability and continuity with Connolly’s legacy, presenting himself as an experienced local leader who would prioritize the district’s interests in Washington. His win reinforces Democratic strength in Northern Virginia and signals the uphill battle Republicans face in attempting to broaden their appeal in suburban communities that have turned away from the party in recent years.
