Virginia Democratic Rep Connolly's ex-chief of staff launches bid for former boss' House seat

Outgoing Virginia Democrat Rep. Gerry Connolly's former chief of staff launched a bid for his old boss' House seat on Tuesday.

Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw (D) started his campaign for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District the week after Connolly announced that he is stepping down from his leadership roles and will not seek reelection since his cancer has returned.

Walkinshaw was Connolly’s chief of staff for more than 10 years before becoming county supervisor, The Hill news outlet reported.

“Congressman Connolly’s impact on Fairfax, Virginia, and our nation is immeasurable, and his work has touched every corner of our community,” Walkinshaw said in a statement. “To me, he is a dear friend and mentor who has made me a better person and public servant. There is no candidate who can replace Gerry Connolly. But I was by his side during the toughest fights, including during Trump’s first term, and I’m ready to fight for Fairfax on day one.”

He added that the U.S. is in a “five-fire alarm moment for democracy and pledged to help Virginia Democrats running up and down the ballot in this year’s off-year elections. 

“Step one to stopping Trump is securing a big win for the Virginia Democratic ticket in 2025 and step two is taking back Congress in 2026,” Walkinshaw said. “Our campaign this year will be focused on building capacity and supporting the incredible Democrats on the ballot in Virginia this November.”