James Walkinshaw, the Democratic nominee in the special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, was declared the winner on Sept. 9, defeating Republican candidate Stewart Whitson, a former FBI special agent and Army veteran, and garnering 75% of the votes.
The special election in northern Virginia was held to fill the seat of Rep. Gerry Connolly, who passed away in May from esophageal cancer. Before his death, Connolly said he would not run for reelection and endorsed Walkinshaw, who served as his chief of staff for more than a decade.
Walkinshaw has taken clear stances on many hot-button topics, such as investing in education, climate change and immigration laws. On the topic of the Israel-Hamas war, Walkinshaw told WTOP News in July that “Israel is a key U.S ally, strategically, and we need to stand by them and continue to support their defense.”
As of recently, Walkinshaw’s stance on Israel has stayed consistent with the statements he made in July. Walkinshaw told Washington Jewish Week in an email in early September, before the election, that he supports a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and a two-state solution.
“I believe that a negotiated settlement leading to a two-state solution is the only way to achieve the peace, security and prosperity that both Palestinians and Israelis deserve,” Walkinshaw said.
Walkinshaw also told Washington Jewish Week that the U.S. should be involved in facilitating a cease-fire.
“While I do not support an arms embargo that would put at risk Israel’s ability to defend itself against the threats it faces in the region, I do believe that the president of the United States should use the leverage he has to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and achieve a cease-fire that returns the hostages to their families and stops the violence,” he said.
Prior to running for Congress, Walkinshaw was serving his second term on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, representing the Braddock District.
When it comes to antisemitism on college campuses and in district schools, Walkinshaw said his approach is to work alongside interfaith leaders.
“Sadly, we have experienced antisemitic incidents in the district I represent on the Board of Supervisors,” Walkinshaw said. “My approach has been to condemn the acts and work with interfaith leaders to show solidarity with our Jewish community members in the wake of such hate.”
Walkinshaw said his approach to the issue will stay the same as he takes office as a member of Congress.
“Antisemitism is far too prevalent, and we should condemn it as we condemn all forms of hate,” he added.
Walkinshaw posted a statement he sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson to his Facebook page, calling on Speaker Johnson to immediately hold a swearing-in ceremony as he did for the winners of two other special elections.
“As you are aware, there have been two previous special elections during the 119th congress. Both Rep. Jimmy Patronis (FL-01) and Rep. Randy Fine (FL-06) took the oath of office the day after their special elections were held. That action appropriately ensured that their constituents were not left without representation any longer than necessary,” Walkinshaw wrote. “I am confident that the same consideration will be extended to the people of Virginia’s 11th District, and I will be at the capitol prepared to take the oath of office at 9:00 AM tomorrow.”
Walkinshaw was sworn in on Sept. 10.
Walkinshaw said in his Facebook statement, “I am humbled by the confidence [voters] have placed in me, and I will work tirelessly to make life more affordable for families, protect our freedoms, and ensure that the 11th District has a strong voice in Congress.
“On Day One, I am ready to stand up for Fairfax,” Walkinshaw added. “From taking on DOGE to defending our democracy, I will fight every single day to deliver results for the people of the 11th District.”
The victory for Walkinshaw, whose district makes up most of the predominantly Democratic Fairfax County, narrows the GOP’s House majority. According to The Hill, the vacancies have likely helped House Republicans in passing legislation like President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which passed in May by one vote.
“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.
