Democrat James L. Walkinshaw won the special election for Virginia's Congressional District 11. Walkinshaw, 42, a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and former aide to the late Rep. Gerry Connolly, defeated his challenger, Republican Stewart L. Whitson, 45, by a wide margin in the deep-blue district. Walkinshaw secured 75.14 percent of the vote with 113,596 votes. 

"The voters of Fairfax have spoken clearly: they want a representative who will fight for our community and deliver results," said Walkinshaw in a post that evening. "I am humbled by the confidence they have placed in me, and I will work tirelessly to make life more affordable for families, protect our freedoms, and ensure that the 11th district has a strong voice in Congress." 

Walkinshaw was sworn into the House of Representatives by Speaker Mike Johnson the next day, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.

Whitson released a statement on the election results saying in part, "I congratulate my opponent and extend my gratitude to every voter who participated in this important election. Democracy is strongest when we all engage, and I am humbled by those who place their trust in me."

Walkinshaw introduced his first piece of legislation, the Limit on Sweeping Executive Reorganization Act, the same day. The bill would prevent a president from unilaterally reorganizing or dismantling federal agencies without congressional approval.

Walkinshaw said in a statement, "Congress — not a President and his billionaire oligarch — must have the final say when it comes to major reorganizations of our federal government."

He is also co-sponsoring the Delete DOGE Act, which would repeal and prohibit the "dangerous DOGE framework."

Virginia’s governor set the special election to fill the northern Virginia seat held by the late Rep. Gerry Connolly, who died in office of cancer on May 21. Virginia's 11th Congressional District comprises much of Fairfax County and all of Fairfax City. The Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) reported the partisan lean of the district's voters in the November 2024 U.S. Representative elections as 66.7 percent Democratic and 32.9 percent Republican, with Walkinshaw outperforming those numbers. Voters in Virginia do not register by party, a characteristic of states with open primaries. The district has a total of 555,169 registered voters.

According to VPAP, as of Aug. 20, 2025, Walkinshaw significantly outpaced Whitson in fundraising, raising $1,061,597 compared to Whitson's $224,469. Walkinshaw's campaign messages encouraged voting as a way to "take the fight to the president," referenced his goal "to stop the current administration's dangerous agenda and deliver for Fairfax," and highlighted his close relationship with the Connolly family to honor the late congressman’s legacy.

"I voted for James Walkinshaw because he was endorsed by Gerry Connolly. I had great respect for Congressman Connolly," said Andrea Tassan of Herndon.

"I wanted to have someone who would stand up to the Republican Party," said Justin Britt of the Town of Herndon, who voted for Walkinshaw. 

Arjun of McLean, a teen volunteer at the polls, also expressed support for this sentiment, stating, "I would vote for James Walkinshaw if I were old enough because I believe that he can stand up to Trump and protect Virginia from the excesses of the Republican presidency and legislature."

Whitson aligned himself with the "America First" agenda, outlining a platform with three main pillars: "Fix the Economy," "Protect Our Families," and "Eliminate Waste, Fraud & Abuse." Katie Gorka, the chair of the Fairfax GOP, stated that the party would unite behind Whitson after he won the nomination in a seven-way contest. A fellow Republican candidate in the primary, Mike Van Meter, publicly expressed his support for Whitson after the nomination, stating on social media that it was "time to give [Whitson] our total support."

What Comes Next

Walkinshaw submitted his resignation to the Fairfax Board of Supervisors, effective at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10.

In a social media post earlier that morning, he noted his resignation creates a "temporary vacancy" but that the district "will continue to be ably represented by Chairman McKay." The Braddock District office and staff will remain in place and can be reached at braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-425-9300.

A special election will likely take place in December to fill the Braddock District vacancy. Right now, it appears three Democrats, school board members Ilryong Moon (at large) and Rachna Sizemore Heizer (Braddock), and Sabrina Mattin, will seek the Democratic nomination. Republican Ken Balbuena appears to be the only Republican to throw a hat in the ring so far.

If either Moon or Sizemore Heizer were to be elected, it would kick off yet another special election to fill the seat on the school board.