Endorsements

Current and Former Elected and Appointed Officials

Federal

Gerry Connolly

Congressman (VA-11)

Serving the people of Virginia’s 11th District has been the honor of my life. As I step away from Congress, I do so with hope — because I know James Walkinshaw is ready to carry the torch forward. James was my Chief of Staff, my partner in progress, and one of the most capable and principled public servants I’ve ever worked alongside. He brings not only deep experience but a rare integrity that guides every decision he makes. James knows this community, he knows how Congress works, and most importantly, he knows who he’s fighting for — working families, federal workers, and all those who believe in a fairer, more just future. I trust James to defend our values and lead with the same passion and principle that have defined our district for decades. I’m proud to endorse him as my successor.

Don Beyer

Congressman (VA-08)

Fairfax needs a fighter to take up the mantle from my irreplaceable friend Gerry Connolly in Congress. No one is better prepared to take on the fight against Trump on day one than James Walkinshaw. He’s stood up to Trump on the Fairfax Board, and will be a progressive champion for our region in Congress. For me, he’s been a partner on environmental issues and brings a detailed knowledge of the federal, state, and local issues we face. I’m proud to support his campaign and ask everyone in the 11th District to join me in supporting him.

Jennifer Wexton

Former Congresswoman (VA-10)

When I was considering running for Congress, Congressman Connolly and his Chief of Staff, James Walkinshaw, were among the first to encourage me, and they supported me every step of the way. James’ commitment to progressive values and his decade plus of experience as Gerry’s Chief of Staff and representing the people of Fairfax County as an elected member of the Board of Supervisors, make him best prepared to represent VA-11 moving forward. Given Donald Trump’s and his minions’ relentless attacks on Federal workers and our values of justice, equity, and fundamental fairness, we need a champion in Congress who can hit the ground running and fight back on Day One, and I can think of no one better able to do that than James. I enthusiastically endorse him.

State

Jennifer Boysko

Virginia State Senator (D-38)

My constituents in Herndon, Reston, Great Falls, Wolf Trap, Vienna, and McLean need a fighter who knows what they’re doing in Congress. We’ve had that in Gerry Connolly, and that’s what we’ll get with James Walkinshaw. As Gerry’s Chief of Staff and on the Board of Supervisors, James has delivered progressive results. He knows our community and he knows how to get the job done. I’ve worked with him for years and I’m proud to endorse him. If you want an experienced leader who knows how to get things done, I encourage voters across the 11th Congressional District to join me.

Eileen Filler-Corn

Former Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates

I’ve known James Walkinshaw for years – not just a colleague, but as a friend – and there’s no one better prepared to represent Virginia’s 11th District in Congress, and succeed our outstanding Congressman, Gerry Connolly. From my early days as delegate to my time as Speaker of the Virginia House, James was a critical legislative partner in the historic progress we delivered for Fairfax County families. He’s steady, thoughtful, and deeply experienced at every level of government – and that’s the kind of leadership we need to take on Trump’s dangerous agenda and deliver real results. I am proud to support James and confident he will serve our community with integrity and distinction.

David Bulova

Virginia Delegate (D-11)

I’ve known and worked closely with James for more than 15 years. On the Board of Supervisors, he has been a powerful voice and strong partner on environmental issues and has worked hard to strengthen collaboration between Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax. I have especially appreciated his willingness to testify before General Assembly committees, where his advocacy has helped pass legislation to enhance public safety. James also brings a unique perspective, having served as Chief of Staff for Congressman Connolly. That blend of local and federal experience will serve our region well. I’m proud to support him and hope all residents of the 11th House of Delegates District will join me.

Briana Sewell

Virginia Delegate (D-25)

As Gerry Connolly’s Prince William County District Director, I worked side by side with James Walkinshaw to bring progressive change to Northern Virginia and deliver real results for our neighbors. He has the experience, expertise, and integrity needed to fight the Trump administration, and has a demonstrated record of beating the NRA, standing up for our federal workforce, supporting our schools, and protecting our environment. I am proud to support James for Congress.

Rip Sullivan

Virginia Delegate (D-6)

In these trying times I am reminded of some wisdom from the TV show Ted Lasso: now is not the time to fight back, it is the time to fight FORWARD. James’ experience as Chief of Staff to Congressman Connolly and his terrific work on the Board of Supervisors make him best prepared to fight forward on our behalf. He understands our community and knows how to deliver for Fairfax in Congress. I’m proud to endorse him.

Local

Jeff McKay

Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Stacey Kincaid

Sheriff of Fairfax

Catherine Read

City of Fairfax Mayor

David Meyer

Former City of Fairfax Mayor

Jimmy Bierman

Supervisor (Dranesville District)

Rodney Lusk

Supervisor (Franconia District)

Walter Alcorn

Supervisor (Hunter Mill District)

Andres Jimenez

Supervisor (Mason District)

Dan Storck

Supervisor (Mount Vernon District)

Dalia Palchik

Supervisor (Providence District)

Kathy Smith

Supervisor (Sully District)

Stacey Hardy-Chandler

City of Fairfax Councilmember

Billy Bates

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

Former City of Fairfax Councilmember

James Walkinshaw on the
Passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly

Fairfax, VA - "Today, our community mourns the loss of a singular leader, the Connolly family mourns the loss of a devoted husband and father, and I mourn the loss of a dear friend.

Congressman Gerry Connolly was more than a public servant - he was a singular figure and force for good in our community, in the Commonwealth, and across the country. From his days on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to his leadership in Congress and on the world stage, he brought unmatched intellect, integrity, and energy to every challenge he faced.

His legacy is etched into every corner of our community - from the Oakton Library and the Mosaic District to the Silver Line and the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail. He fought tirelessly for people and communities who most needed a voice; the unhoused, the impoverished, and those suffering from illness or addiction.

But for me, Gerry Connolly was a mentor, a friend, and one of the most formative figures in my life. Because of him, I am a better husband, father, and public servant. I will carry his wisdom - and his fierce love for this community - with me for the rest of my life.

We've lost a giant. But we will honor his legacy by continuing the work he loved - serving others, speaking the truth, and never backing down from the defense of our values."