Endorsements
Current and Former Elected and Appointed Officials
Federal
Gerry Connolly
Congressman (VA-11)
Before he passed, Congressman Connolly issued a letter to his constituents endorsing James. It said, in part “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.
National Federation of Federal Employees, IAMAW, AFL-CIO
“We are at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. We have a president who believes he is above the Constitution, leading a lawless administration intoxicated by unchecked power. At the same time, a complicit Republican Congress refuses to uphold the law or defend the separation of powers. That’s why we’re proud to support James Walkinshaw to continue the extraordinary legacy of Rep. Gerry Connolly. James is well-versed in the federal government’s inner workings. He’s been on the front lines of every significant political battle affecting federal employees and the contractors who serve the American people. James is ready to lead on day one—and to fight for the integrity of our government, the rights of public servants, and the rule of law.”
Randy Erwin, National President, National Federation of Federal Employees
State
Mark Herring
Former Virginia Attorney General
Having served as attorney general, I know firsthand what it means to defend Virginians’ rights, protect vulnerable communities, and hold bad actors accountable. James Walkinshaw has what it takes. He’s one of Virginia’s most talented young leaders and will represent Northern Virginia well in Congress. I’m proud to endorse him.
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.
Dave Marsden
Virginia State Senator (D-35)
I’ve worked with James Walkinshaw for years—not just as a colleague, but as a trusted partner who knows how to work with the Virginia Legislature to get things done. We’ve teamed up on major efforts to expand youth services and improve transportation in Northern Virginia. James has consistently delivered real results for Fairfax families and understands how to navigate complex systems to make change happen. He’s the candidate with the skills and experience to fight for our neighborhoods in Congress and push back against Trump’s reckless agenda starting on Day One. I’m proud to stand with him.
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.
Vivian Watts
Virginia State Delegate (HD-14)
For me, serving requires a commitment to gaining deep understanding of issues facing your constituents and, always, being alert to new challenges and dynamics. Given the unprecedented challenges we face, we need a representative in Congress who has the understanding and experience to be effective immediately. James Walkinshaw is that person. For more than a decade, he served as Gerry’s Chief of Staff: he knows our issues, he knows Congress, and he knows it is essential we defend democracy. We’ve worked together closely and, as Supervisor, I’ve seen James effectively fight for what’s best for our community. I’m proud to endorse him.
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
In every role he’s held, James Walkinshaw has kept his focus where it belongs: on the people of Fairfax County. As a colleague and a friend, he’s someone the Board of Supervisors – and more importantly, our residents – can always count on to deliver for our community. In this five-alarm moment for our democracy, he’s the best-prepared candidate to take on Trump’s agenda and get to work on day on. I’m proud to support him.
Stacey Kincaid
Sheriff of Fairfax
With 39 years of experience in law enforcement and as the first woman to lead Fairfax County’s Sheriff’s Office, I know the value of proven leadership. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Supervisor James Walkinshaw for Congress. His experience on Capitol Hill and the Board of Supervisors makes him ready to lead on day one. He’s fought for stronger gun safety laws and supported our programs that expand education and life skills for those incarcerated. I hope all Fairfax residents will join me in supporting him.
Catherine Read
City of Fairfax Mayor
The residents in this city tell me daily that their top priority is electing people to office who know what the hell they are doing. This is a backlash to the Trump Administration’s choice of loyalist partisans in critical roles. James Walkinshaw has a decade of experience in the halls of Congress as Rep. Connolly’s Chief of Staff. His service on the Board of Supervisors has shown us his knowledge, experience, and know-how to get things done. Let’s send Mr. Walkinshaw to Washington.
David Meyer
Former City of Fairfax Mayor
James Walkinshaw is a leader with a strong ethic of service to others and a commitment to making our region and our nation achieve its full promise. When I was Mayor, James was an effective partner in ensuring that the County and the City work collaboratively for all citizens. James will be a superb representative for our City and the entire 11th District.
Jimmy Bierman
Supervisor (Dranesville District)
As I began my first term on the Board of Supervisors, James Walkinshaw was someone I could immediately look to for guidance. He leads with principle, puts people over politics, and brings a deep commitment to making Fairfax a better, fairer place for everyone. I know James will continue putting people first in Congress—and won’t back down from confronting Trump’s dangerous agenda.
Walter Alcorn
Supervisor (Hunter Mill District)
From economic development to transit to housing, James Walkinshaw brings the kind of thoughtful, solutions-driven approach we need representing Fairfax in Congress. He helped Gerry Connolly deliver the Silver Line and understands the issues facing Reston and our broader community. I know James will protect our progress and push back against Trump’s dangerous agenda in Washington.
Dalia Palchik
Supervisor (Providence District)
As Chair of both the Health and Human Services Committee and Housing Committee, I know the importance of having leaders in Congress who understand how to build strong, inclusive communities. James Walkinshaw has the values, experience, and commitment to ensure Fairfax remains a place where everyone—especially immigrants and working families—can thrive.
Andres Jimenez
Supervisor (Mason District)
As the first Latino and immigrant elected to the Board, I know how critical it is to have leaders who will fight for immigrant families and first-generation Americans. James Walkinshaw has always led with compassion and purpose—standing up for our diverse communities, protecting our environment, green spaces, and trails, and pushing for bold action on climate change. In Congress, I know James will defend our values, safeguard our future, and stand firm against Trump’s dangerous agenda.
Kathy Smith
Supervisor (Sully District)
As Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisors and a former member of the School Board, I’ve seen James Walkinshaw lead with thoughtfulness, integrity, and a deep commitment to the people of Fairfax. He understands the importance of strong schools, affordable housing, and an inclusive community. I know he’ll take that same commitment to Congress to stand up to Trump’s dangerous agenda and protect the future we’re building together in Fairfax.
Keven LeBlanc
Town of Herndon Mayor
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.
Lisa Merkel
Former Herndon Mayor
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,.
Sheila Olem
Former Herndon Mayor
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.
Dan Storck
Supervisor (Mount Vernon District)
Rodney Lusk
Supervisor (Franconia District)
As someone who’s spent decades working to expand opportunity and grow our economy in Fairfax, I know James Walkinshaw is the leader we need in Congress. He’ll fight to ensure every family—no matter their background—has a fair shot and a safe, affordable place to call home. I trust him to stand up to Trump’s dangerous agenda and protect the values that make our community strong.
Stacey Hardy-Chandler
City of Fairfax Councilmember
Billy Bates
City of Fairfax Councilmember
Joseph Harmon
Former City of Fairfax Councilmember
Jon Stehle
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
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