Current Mayor Keven LeBlanc and Former Mayors Sheila Olem, Lisa Merkel, and Mike O’Reilly agree Walkinshaw is the best-prepared candidate to represent Herndon and lead in Congress
Fairfax, VA – Today, Herndon’s current and former mayors joined together to endorse Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw (D-Braddock) for Congress in Virginia’s 11th District, calling him the clear, best-prepared choice to confront Trump’s dangerous agenda and deliver for Northern Virginia.
Mayor Keven LeBlanc, Former Mayor Sheila Olem, Former Mayor Lisa Merkel, and Former Mayor Mike O’Reilly pointed to Walkinshaw’s deep experience, proven leadership, and strong connection to the Herndon community as reasons for their support.
“As Mayor of the Town of Herndon, I feel strongly that we need leaders at all levels of government who listen to the community and have the experience to get things done. That’s why I’m supporting James Walkinshaw for Congress. His experience as Gerry Connolly’s Chief of Staff and on the Board of Supervisors will allow him to represent us effectively on Day One. I hope all Town residents will join me in supporting him in the upcoming Special Election,” said Mayor Keven LeBlanc.
“I’ve known James Walkinshaw for almost 20 years and I’ve seen how effective he is at fighting for our values and delivering results. This is a critical time and we need people with the experience to stand up for us. That’s why I’m endorsing James Walkinshaw and I hope all Herndon residents will join me in supporting him for Congress,” said Former Mayor Sheila Olem.
“As the former Mayor of the Town of Herndon, I know how important it is that we have effective representation at all levels of government. As Gerry Connolly’s Chief of Staff, James Walkinshaw helped him deliver for Herndon. And on the Board of Supervisors, he’s developed a reputation for bold and effective leadership. That’s why I’m proud to endorse James Walkinshaw for Congress and am urging all Herndon residents to join me in supporting him,” said Former Mayor Lisa Merkel.
Walkinshaw welcomed the endorsements, calling them a powerful vote of confidence from the leaders who know Herndon best.
“Mayor Keven LeBlanc, and Former Mayors Sheila Olem, Lisa Merkel, and Mike O’Reilly have all served Herndon with integrity and vision—and I’m honored to have their support,” said Walkinshaw. “Herndon deserves a representative in Congress who understands our community and is ready to deliver on Day One. I’ll take on Trump’s extreme agenda, protect our values, and fight for Northern Virginia families with everything I’ve got.”
The endorsement announcement comes as the community continues to unite behind Walkinshaw as the clear choice to represent Virginia’s 11th District in Congress. From Fairfax City Hall to Richmond to Capitol Hill, there is a rapidly growing consensus that Walkinshaw is not just the best-prepared candidate—but the next-generation leader with the experience and momentum to successfully confront Trump’s dangerous agenda and deliver for Fairfax on Day One.
Walkinshaw now counts 32 federal, state, and local leaders among his endorsers—with more to be announced in the coming days.
Endorsements to date include:
Federal
Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08)
Former Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11)
Former Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (VA-10)
State
Former Attorney General Mark Herring
Former Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn (HD-41)
State Senator Jennifer Boysko (SD-38)
State Senator Dave Marsden (SD-35)
Delegate David Bulova (HD-11)
Delegate Vivian Watts (HD-14)
Delegate Briana Sewell (HD-25)
Delegate Rip Sullivan (HD-6)
Local
Fairfax County Chairman Jeff McKay
Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid
Supervisor Jimmy Bierman (Dranesville District)
Supervisor Rodney Lusk (Franconia District)
Supervisor Walter Alcorn (Hunter Mill District)
Supervisor Andres Jimenez (Mason District)
Supervisor Dan Storck (Mount Vernon District)
Supervisor Dalia Palchik (Providence District)
Supervisor Kathy Smith (Sully District)
City of Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read
Former City of Fairfax Mayor David Meyer
City of Fairfax Councilmember Billy Bates
City of Fairfax Councilmember Stacey Hardy-Chandler
Former City of Fairfax Councilmember Joseph Harmon
Former City of Fairfax Councilmember So Lim
Former City of Fairfax Councilmember Janice Miller
Former City of Fairfax Councilmember Tom Ross
Town of Herndon Mayor Keven LeBlanc
Former Town of Herndon Mayor Sheila Olem
Former Town of Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel
Former Town of Herndon Mayor Mike O’Reilly
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James Walkinshaw has devoted his career to ensuring that Northern Virginia remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. He served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Gerry Connolly for more than a decade, stood up to the Trump Administration on the Board of Supervisors, and now he’s running for Congress to stop Trump’s dangerous agenda and deliver for Fairfax.
