Fairfax, VA – Today, Delegate Vivian Watts (HD-14), the longest-serving woman in the Virginia House of Delegates and one of Virginia’s most respected voices on transportation, justice reform, and public finance, endorsed Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw (D-Braddock) for Congress in Virginia’s 11th District.
Watts, who represents portions of Fairfax County and has served the Commonwealth for decades—including as Virginia’s Secretary of Transportation and Public Safety—praised Walkinshaw as the best-prepared candidate to take on Trump’s dangerous agenda and deliver for Northern Virginia at a time of unprecedented challenges.
“For me, serving requires a commitment to gaining deep understanding of issues facing your constituents and, always, being alert to new challenges and dynamics,” said Delegate Watts. “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.”
Walkinshaw welcomed the endorsement, describing Watts as a legislative trailblazer and a guiding voice for effective, values-driven leadership.
“Delegate Vivian Watts is a Virginia legend—her decades of public service and policy leadership have shaped the future of our region and our Commonwealth,” said Walkinshaw. “I’m honored to have her support as we build a campaign ready to take on Trump and deliver real results for the people of Fairfax on Day One.”
Delegate Watts joins a rapidly growing coalition of diverse, trusted federal, state, and local leaders backing Walkinshaw’s campaign—united in their commitment to send the best-prepared candidate to Congress, stand up to Trump and his henchmen, and fight for working families across Fairfax.
To date, Walkinshaw has earned the support of 28 federal, state, and local leaders, 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
Learn more and join the campaign at: www.jameswalkinshaw.org.
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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.
