What's happened
James Walkinshaw and Stewart Whitson will compete in a special election on September 9 to fill the vacancy left by the late Rep. Gerry Connolly in Virginia's 11th Congressional District. Walkinshaw, endorsed by Connolly, is seen as the Democratic frontrunner, while Whitson aims to flip the seat for Republicans.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Democratic Dynamics: Walkinshaw's endorsement by Connolly positions him as a strong candidate, reflecting the party's reliance on established figures in a traditionally Democratic district.
- Republican Strategy: Whitson's campaign emphasizes a need for strong allies in Congress, particularly with Trump back in office, indicating a strategic pivot to capitalize on national Republican momentum.
- Voter Sentiment: The special election will serve as a litmus test for voter sentiment in a district that has leaned Democratic, potentially impacting future elections.
- Political Implications: The outcome could influence the balance of power in Congress, especially as Democrats navigate internal divisions and seek to maintain their majority amidst recent losses.
What the papers say
According to AP News, Walkinshaw's victory in the Democratic primary was powered by grassroots support, emphasizing his commitment to protecting democracy and working families. In contrast, The Independent highlights the ethical concerns surrounding the use of Connolly's social media after his death, with critics labeling it as 'necroposting.' This juxtaposition illustrates the tension within the Democratic Party as it grapples with generational shifts and the legacy of its late members. The coverage from both sources underscores the significance of this election not just for Virginia, but for the broader national political landscape.
How we got here
Rep. Gerry Connolly passed away on May 21, 2025, after battling esophageal cancer, leaving a vacancy in Virginia's 11th Congressional District. His endorsement of Walkinshaw prior to his death has significantly influenced the Democratic primary landscape.
Go deeper
- What are the key issues in this election?
- How does Connolly's death impact the Democratic Party?
- What strategies are the candidates using to win votes?
Common question
-
What Happened to Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman?
The tragic shooting of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her family has left the community in shock. As details emerge about the incident and its implications for political safety, many are left wondering about the motivations behind this targeted attack and its broader impact on political discourse in the U.S.
More on these topics
-
Gerald Edward Connolly is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from Virginia's 11th congressional district, first elected in 2008. The district is anchored in Fairfax County, an affluent suburban county west of Washington, D.
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains. The state's capital is Richmond and its most populous city is Virgini